Second Grade Magistrate Court in Phalombe Tuesday passed a suspended sentence to a 21 year-old man for attempting to commit suicide in a Police cell.

The Court learnt from State Prosecutor, Sergeant, Willy Fudzulani that on November 13, 2022, Mazunzo Mlaka attempted to kill himself by tying his neck using a shirt in Chitekesa Police Unit cell where he was locked up for being suspected of theft.

He told the court that Mlaka was rescued by Sub Inspector, Paul Chisanu after he heard a strange noise coming from the cell, where he was alone at the time.

Mlaka pleaded guilty to the charge which is contrary to section 229 of the Penal Code and he was convicted accordingly.

During submission, Sergeant Fudzulani asked for stiffer punishment to send a warning to would be offenders that suicide attempt is a crime.

Mlaka pleaded with court to be lenient arguing that, he is a breadwinner for his family
Second Grade Magistrate, Steve Samati ordered Mlaka not to commit any offence in a period of two years and that if he does the opposite; a one year jail sentence would be effected immediately.

Mlaka hails from Chirombo village, in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Jenala in the district.