By Wongani Mkandawire

Nkhotakota, May 14, Mana: Nkhunga First Grade Magistrate's court at Dwangwa in Nkhotakota, has convicted and sentenced 30-year-old Edwell Banda, and 20-year-old, Gift Banda to 12 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for robbery.

The Court through State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Mecheas Chatsira heard that on May 6, 2024, the suspects hired a motorcycle to take them to Luwerezi on a business trip.

While on the way in Dwambazi forest, the convicts attacked the rider and assaulted him until he collapsed and robbed him a Red Gatoma motorcycle worth K1,950,000.

Later the two were arrested at a police roadblock in Luwerezi. Appearing in court, the suspects pleaded guilty to the charges.

In submission, State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Mecheas Chatsira pleaded with the court for a stiffer sentence stating that cases of this nature are on the rise in the district and country at large.

Passing his sentence, First Grade Magistrate Kingsley Buleya concurred with the state and slapped the convicts with 12 years’ imprisonment with hard labour each.

Both Edwell Banda and Gift Banda hail from Alamu Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kaluluma in Kasungu district.