By Lesnat Kenan

Lilongwe, April 28, Mana: Mzimba Second Grade Magistrate Court, has convicted and sentenced a 27 years old man, Emmanuel Nchama to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for burglary and theft, contrary to sections 309 subsection (2) and 271 of the Penal Code.

According to Jenda Police Station Assistant Public Relations Officer, Constable Precious Mzunga, the court, on April 25, 2025 heard through state Prosecutor, Sub Inspector Pachalo Nyirenda, that Nchama broke into a house at Jenda and stole various items, including a car battery, Plasma Television Screen and a Smartphone.

" The total value of the stolen items was estimated at K480,00 and he was arrested the same day after a complaint was lodged for burglary and theft", he said.

 Appearing before court, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge.

Mzunga said the accused asked the court for lenience, saying he had previously been imprisoned for other offences and he served a lengthy sentence.

In submission, Nyirenda asked the court to impose a stiffer punishment, emphasizing that burglary and theft have become common in the district and that a harsh sentence would serve as a deterrent to other would-be offenders.

Emmanuel Nchama, hails from James Sibande Village, Traditional Authority Mabulabo in Mzimba District.