Eight Men Sentenced to 18 Years for Violent Quarry Stone Robbery
Published on October 21, 2025 at 9:44 AM by Evance Kapito
The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe has sentenced eight men to 18 years imprisonment each for a violent robbery at a quarry stone company that left staff traumatized and property worth millions stolen.
The convicts Esau Phiri (48), Robert Kaiwalika (32), Emmanuel Rankeni (32), William Losidatala (32), Daniel Kudzala (33), Davie Kalipande (40), Ranken Msakambewa (38), and Reuben Kankhuni (32) were found guilty of robbing items and cash valued at K3.1 million.
According to Police Prosecutor Inspector Bauleni Namasani, the incident occurred on April 25, 2025, when the gang, armed with panga knives, invaded the quarry compound, assaulted the owner’s daughter, and handcuffed her before stealing an iPhone valued at K3.5 million and K250,000 in cash.
Their robbery was foiled when the victim’s mother, watching from a hiding spot, fired gunshots that forced the robbers to flee.
In court, all eight admitted to the crime and pleaded for leniency, claiming they were family breadwinners. However, Senior Resident Magistrate Bracious Kondowe ruled that the gang’s actions were premeditated and violent, emphasizing that the 18-year jail term should serve as a warning to others.
The convicts hail from Lilongwe, Machinga, Chiradzulu, Nkhotakota, and Ntcheu districts.
Police have since commended the public for their cooperation and warned that such violent crimes will continue to attract tough sentences.
