By: Chikondi Magalasi
A Magistrate Court in Mangochi has convicted and sentenced two men to 9 months imprisonment with hard labour for stealing Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) cables.
The two are identified as Amidu Kazembe,35, and a 27-year-old Ernest Hananiya who pleaded guilty to Theft contrary to section 278 of the penal code.
It was presented in Court by Prosecutor Sub Inspector Maxwell Mwauluka that in the morning hours of 31st March 2016 the two accused persons were cornered with the cables worth about MK2 million.
“Mangochi Police whilst on patrol duties intercepted the two accused people with ESCOM cables covered in a sack and were arrested on the same spot. The value of the copper cable is estimated to be MK 1,595 000.00,” He told the court.
Passing the sentence, Second Grade Magistrate Augustine Mizaya said the two deserved to be sent to jail as a deterrent for other would-be offenders.
“The accused persons deserve a custodial sentence as act as food for thought but this court has been lenient because the accused persons have pleaded guilty to the offence and all the items were recovered,” said the Magistrate.
Later, Mizaya sentenced the two to 9 months Imprisonment with Hard Labour.
Amidu Kazembe hails from Ngowi Village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi district whereas Ernest Hananiya comes from Kapenula village, Traditional Authority Kapenula in the tobacco-growing district of Kasungu.
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