Balaka Court Jails Two for Eight Years Over Burglary and Theft

The Second Grade Magistrate’s Court in Balaka has sentenced two men to eight years’ imprisonment with hard labour each after convicting them of burglary, theft, and breaking into a building with intent to commit a felony.

Balaka Police Station Public Relations Officer Inspector Gladson M’bumpha said State prosecutor Inspector Liston Sabola told the court that the convicts, Charles Pindani (22) and Allie Kunyenje (45), committed the offences between the night of November 20 and November 21, 2025, at Chatseka in Balaka District.

According to the prosecution, the two broke into a chicken kraal belonging to the complainant and stole 42 local chickens before proceeding to the victim’s house, where they also stole a mattress, a bicycle, bed sheets, a duvet, and boots, all valued at K750,000.

Both accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting the State to parade three witnesses whose testimony proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to their conviction.

In passing sentence, Second Grade Magistrate Peter Nkuzi agreed with the State’s submission for a stiff punishment. He sentenced each convict to 66 months’ imprisonment with hard labour for burglary and theft, and an additional 34 months for breaking into a building and committing a felony, with the sentences to run consecutively.

Both Pindani and Kunyenje hail from Mponda Village under Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka District.