Court sentences man to 8 years for breaking into shop
The Senior Resident Magistrate’s court in Nkhata-Bay has convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old Shaibu Moyo to Eight (8) years imprisonment with hard labour for breaking into a shop and stealing money and cell phones.
The court heard through state prosecutor Sub Inspector Isaac Imed that Moyo committed the offence during the night of May 31, 2023 with his five accomplices.
They broke into a shop belonging to William Phiri at Nkhata-Bay boma and went away with Eight (8) brand new smart phones valued at K 1, 240, 000 and cash amounting to K 947, 500.
The court further heard that the thieves gained entry through the roof by cutting an iron sheet.
Immediately after the matter was reported to the police, swift investigations were instituted that led to Moyo’s arrest together with one of his accomplices Hussen Muzinyenda aged 29, who has been acquitted due to insufficient evidence. They were both charged with breaking into a building and committing a felony therein contrary to section 311 of the Penal Code.
Moyo led investigators to Salima where he sold some cell phones. Five (5) of the stolen phones were recovered.
Despite denying the charge in court during his first appearance, Five (5) state witnesses proved the matter beyond reasonable doubt prompting the court to convict him.
In submission during subsequent proceedings, state prosecutor Sub Inspector Imed asked the court to stiffen his punishment basing on the fact that the offence was well organised and that the act has paralysed complainant’s business.
In mitigation Moyo prayed for leniency saying he looks after his family and parents.
When passing sentence on September 25, 2023, the Senior Resident Magistrate Mateo Chitha quashed mitigating factors and concurred with the state. Chitha added that as breaking offences are getting rampant, the suspect requires a punishment that will teach him a lesson and deter would be offenders.
He therefore sentenced him to eight years imprisonment with hard labour effective from the date of his arrest.
Shaibu Moyo hails from Mowere Village, traditional authority Mkowola in Machinga district.
Sergeant Kondwani James.
NKhata Bay Police Station PRO
0995369978
