Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Tampering with Oxygen Supply at Bwaila Hospital
Published on May 8, 2025 at 1:20 PM by Evance Kapito
The Magistrate Court in Lilongwe has sentenced Grant Mpasu to 18 months in prison after finding him guilty of stealing oxygen supply equipment at Bwaila Hospital, an act that led to the deaths of seven premature babies.
According to Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, the incident occurred when Mpasu deliberately cut oxygen supply lines in several wards of the hospital, including the Kangaroo section a unit dedicated to caring for prematurely born infants.
As a result of the damage, oxygen machines failed, leading to the deaths of seven babies who were dependent on the equipment for survival.
During court proceedings, Mpasu denied the charges, prompting the state to bring forward witnesses. After being found guilty, Mpasu pleaded for leniency, saying it was his first offense and that he has a family and elderly relatives who depend on him.
However, Magistrate Benjamin Chulu ruled that despite the plea, the seriousness of the offense warranted a custodial sentence and sentenced him to 18 months in prison.
