Prosecutor Sub Inspector Mankhumbo Nkhoma of Mchinji Police Station told the court that the convict had just been released from the reformatory center on related cases and had been terrorizing the district.
Nkhoma said Robert was caught with stolen items.
“It was on 11/01/2023 that the convict was caught red-handed with the stolen items after he had broken into a house at Mayard residential area in the district. After investigations instituted by police it was noted that on the first and second count, the convict committed a similar offense on 22/11/2022 and on 18/12/2022 respectively,” said Nkhoma.
Appearing in court, Robert pleaded guilty to the charge, and in mitigation asked the court for leniency saying that he is young and the breadwinner of his family.
In his submission, Prosecutor Nkhoma prayed for a stiffer punishment by sentencing the convict on three separate counts as he is posing a threat to society.
Prosecutor Nkhoma added that a stiff sentence would send a signal to the prospective criminals since such cases are rampant in the area.
Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Yohane Nkhata concurred with the state, hence slapped him with 11 years and 6 months jail term; which 2 years and 6 months for the first case, 4 years and 24 months on the second case, and 5 years and 24 months on the third case, all on housebreaking and theft to be served concurrently but consecutively
Chisomo Robert hails from Kamwendo Village, Traditional Authority Zulu in Mchinji District.
