By Sheminah Nkhoma

Lilongwe, August 19, Mana: The Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate's court has convicted and sentenced a security guard, Millwad Mpoya, 21, to one and half years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for stealing a motorcycle at his work place at Area 46 in Lilongwe.

The court heard through Lilongwe Police Prosecutor Sub Inspector Maggie Kayaka, that the convict committed the offence on August 1, 2024 at a house, where his security company assigned him to work as a night security guard.     

However, at around 04:00 hours the convict went missing after stealing the motorcycle.

Kayaka said three days later, police arrested him in Dedza where he started using the stolen motorcycle as a Kabaza operator.

Appearing in court, the convict pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against him and prayed for leniency saying he is a first time offender and a breadwinner for his family.

In her submission, Kayaka asked the court to slap the convict with a stiffer custodial sentence saying the convict planned to commit the offense.

Kayaka further said that cases involving security guards stealing, and conniving with criminals to steal at their working places are rampant in Lilongwe, hence her prayer for punitive punishment to deter other would be offenders.

Passing sentence, Chief Resident Magistrate Shukran Kumbani, concurred with the State and went on to slap Mpoya with one and half years IHL effective from the date of his arrest.

Mpoya hails from Matchuwana Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Mchilamwela in Thyolo District.