The Mkukula Senior Resident Magistrate’s court has sentenced Chikondi Sulumbero, 26, to 14 months in prison for stealing cellphones at Nsungwi CCAP Church in Lilongwe.

Kanengo Police deputy spokesperson Sergeant Grace Kayisi said the incident happened on October 16 after three choir members left their phones in custody of Sulumbero.

“While in church, the three placed their phones on the charger and left them in custody of Sulumbero who disguised himself as one of the choir members at the church.

But when the three came back to take their phones after prayers, they discovered that the man had escaped with them,” Kayisi said.

Sulumbero hails from Makasu Village, Traditional Authority Mwambo in Zomba District.