A Mozambican national, Mayesero Malefula, 23, has been slapped with 21 years in jail for robbery of a vehicle he had hired and assaulting its driver to death.
The convict later buried the body behind his house at Namitete in Lilongwe.
State prosecutor Sub Inspector Steve Galleta told the court that on January 7, 2022, Malefula hired a Honda Freed vehicle registration number BY 8402 at Namitondo Trading Centre.
“However, instead of paying for the services same night, the convict told the driver, Francis Milindi (now deceased), to come back to his house a day later for the payment after giving him a bank card as a collateral,” says Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu.
The following morning, Milindi went to the convict’s house to collect the money as previously agreed. He was taken into the house where he was offered mangoes to eat first.
Galeta further told the court that while the driver was busy eating, the convict took a hammer and assaulted him severely on the head. He buried the driver’s body behind his rented house.
But the issue was exposed after neighbours came across dogs feeding on the body after it was laid bare by a heavy downpour.
Malefula pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery but prayed for leniency.
Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate James Mankhwazi concurred with the state that the offence was serious and planned. He also observed the cases were rampant in the capital with potential to scare investors in the transport industry.
Mayesero Malefula, who hails from Kalembo Village, T/A Sopera, Chifunde District in Mozambique, will also face a second count, murder of the driver.
Meanwhile, police have recovered the stolen vehicle in Mozambique where it was sold.
