The court through state prosecutor Sergeant Gladson Chimseu heard that on May 15 2023, the accused person in company of others broke into a house of Edith Ndapita and went away with 2 laptops, phones and K90,000.00 cash, all valued to MK4,800,000.00.

Chinseu further told the court that the accused person after breaking into the house, demanded for 10 Million Kwacha, saying they got information that the victim had the said amount.

Appearing before court, Brian Chisomo Banda was convicted on his own plea of guilt while his co-accused persons denied the charges.

In submission, the state pleaded with the court for stiffer punishment, saying that despite the fact that some properties were recovered, the victim was vulnerable along with her two children.

added that the victim was tied both hands and legs and threatened to kill her if she dares to shout.

In mitigation, Banda pleaded with the court for leniency, saying that he is the first offender and that he did not waste courts time by pleading guilty to the charges.

Passing judgement, First Grade Magistrate Imran Phiri concurred with the state that victim was only lucky not to be hacked or killed, then added that, such malpractice will not be condoned, hence slapped him to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.

Brian Chisomo Banda hails from Nkhave village in Traditional Authority Kapichi in Thyolo District.