Third Grade Magistrate Court in Mchinji on Tuesday convicted and sentenced Steven Banda, 32, and Thokozani Phiri, 28, for attempting to escape lawful custody and damaging cell structures at Mchinji Border Police Unit
The court heard through state prosecutor Sergeant Jacquireen Maseya that the two were arrested on January 23, 2024, at Mchinji Border Police Unit for the offences of Unlawful wounding and Breaking Into a Building and Committing a Felony There In
On that particular day during the night, the two connived and managed to break the peep window glass of the cell with an intent to create an exit point
The shattering and squeaking sound from the cell prompted the police officer on duty to revisit the cell where he observed that the suspects were attempting to escape.
Appearing before the court, the two pleaded guilty to the charge of Escaping Lawful Custody and Malicious Damage
In mitigation, the two pleaded for court’s leniency stating that they have family obligations
In submission, the state added that the two had destroyed a facility belonging to the government and such acts derail development.
Passing sentence, Third Grade Magestrate Samuel Chakudza concurred with the state and slapped the two 12 months for an Attempt to escape a lawful custody and 18 months for unlawfull wounding to run concurrently
Meanwhile, the two are also appearing before the court answering the charges of Unlawful wounding and Breaking Into a Building and Committing a Felony There In
Steven Banda hails from Kakhungwa Village, under Traditional Authority Mduwa in Mchinji and Thokozani Phiri hails from Chatimba Village under Traditional Authority Kalolo in Lilongwe
