The Lilongwe Second Grade Magistrate Court (SGM) on Monday, March 7, 2022 sentenced and convicted 25 – year – old Symon Petro to 3 years imprisonment with hard labour for breaking into a building and committing a felony.
The felony contravenes secton 311(1) of the penal code.
The court heard through State Prosecutor Sergeant Innocent Dzatopetsa of Kawale Police that the convict committed the offence on September 13, 2021 at Matchansi in Kawale.
Dzatopetsa further told the court that Petro, during the night gained entry into a shop of Raphael Kaipa at Matchansi and took a fridge with drinks inside and some assorted groceries.
He later hired a car to convey the stollen items to Area 25 but failed to pay the charged fare which forced the driver to inform the law enforcers to come to his rescue in recovering his money.
When law enforcers followed up the matter, it was revealed that the items were stolen at Matchansi and this led to his arrest.
Appearing in court, Petro pleaded not guilty to the charge levelled against him which prompted the state to parade two witnesses who testified against him.
In submission, Dzatopetsa told the court that cases of this nature are increasing and prayed for a custodial sentence to deter other would be offenders.
In mitigation the convict asked for leniency, stating that he is a first offender and that he is still young to serve a custodial sentence.
Passing sentence, Second Grade Magistrate Taonga Muwalo concurred with the state and sentenced him to 3 years IHL for breaking into a building and committing a felony therein .
Petrol hails from Mwazawona Village, Traditional Authority Mlilima in Nsanje District.
