The Principle Resident Magistrate’s Court in Mzuzu, on August 16, 2023 convicted and Sentenced 6 men to 21 years Imprisonment with hard labour for aggravated form of robbery at Royal Gardens Lodge in Mzuzu.
Assistant Superintendent Vickness Simwinga and Inspector A. Maganga identified the convicts as Faduwick Chiwaya , Sam Kagunda , Precious Jonathan ,Issah Ibrahim , Stonarld Nkhoma and Titus Chirwa.
The state prosecutors Simwanga and Maganga told the court that, Chiwaya, Kagunda, Jonathan, Ibrahim, Nkhoma and Chirwa committed the offence during the month of August, 2023 at Royal Gardens Lodge in Mzuzu City.
They broke into the said Lodge, tying up the receptionist and later besieged 14 rooms occupied by different governmental and non-governmental officials including foreigners, robbing them of belongings worth 7 Million Kwacha.
Upon receipt of the report Police promptly instituted investigations leading to the arrest of the 6 suspects.
In their submission the state prayed for a stiffer sentence considering the manner the offence was committed which greatly traumatized the victims. Two of the suspects namely Samson Chirwa and Precious Jonathan are ex-convicts.
In mitigation the court did not consider their family obligations.
Therefore Principal Resident Magistrate Clemence Chamwenda concurred with the state hence slapped the six to 21 years Imprisonment with hard labour to deter other would-be offenders.
Faduwick Chiwaya is 52 years-old hails from Traditional Authority Mabuka in Mulanje, Sam Kagunda is 28 years old from Traditional Authority Fukamapiri in Nkhatabay, Precious Jonathan is 31 hails from Traditional Authority Likoswe in Chiradzulu, Issah Ibrahim is 39 comes from Traditional Authority Mkumba in Mangochi, Stonarld Nkhomais 39 hails from Traditional Authority Kampingo Sibande in Mzimba.
