The Principle Resident Magistrate Court in Mzuzu on March 24, 2023 convicted and sentenced Given Ng’ona 24, to 8 years imprisonment with hard labour for robbery contrary to section 301(2) of the Penal Code.

The court heard through state prosecutor Sub-Inspector Thandie Mkupa, that on March 3, 2023 Evance Phiri (victim) went for a drink with a friend at Paris Bar, one of the drinking places in the city.

Whilst there, the two met Ng’oma who kindly asked for a bottle of beer. Surprisingly, when the complainant went out, the convict instantly followed him where he started assaulting him.

Upon sensing danger, Phiri hastened and gave his phone and money to his friend and when the convict saw this, he immediately jumped to the friend and robbed him the phone and money totalling to Mk 30,000.00

After a while, Phiri and his friend thought of reporting the issue to Police station but before starting off, Ng’oma resumed his threats but some friends joined and overpowered him and he was surrendered to Mzuzu Police Station.

During court hearing, he pleaded not guilty thereby moving the state to parade three witnesses to prove the case beyond reasonable doubts.

In mitigation, the convict asked the court to be lenient when passing its judgement saying he has a big family that he looks after.

But in its submission, the state through Sub-Inspector Mkumba, prayed for a stiff punishment to be a lesson to others citing the rapid escalation of the behaviour and robbery cases in Mzuzu especially at Paris Bars. The prosecutor also observed that the convict had strategically planned to commit the offence saying this therefore required a stiff sentence.

Passing the sentence, Magistrate Chamwenda concurred with the state and sentenced the convict to eight ( years imprisonment with hard labour.

Ng’ona hails from Thanira Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Katumbi in Rumphi District.