Mangochi Second Grade Magistrate on Tuesday convicted and sentenced Wilfred Kusala, 32, to 18 months Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL) after the court found him guilty of theft by servant contrary to section 286 of Penal Code.

State Prosecutor, Sub Inspector Margret Chibulire told the court that Kusala, who was an Assistant Stores Clerk and later promoted to Dispatch Officer on June 18 this year, stole Chibuku Total Fuel Card containing 7,036 litres worth K13, 510, 195 and gave it to his two accomplices.

Appearing before Second Grade Magistrate, Baxton Chikalimba the accused pleaded guilty to the allegations leveled against him forcing the court to convict him upon his own admission and facts presented by state.

In its submission, the state said the suspect is a first offender but the offense is serious in nature, a well planned theft and he broke the trust between him and his employer hence prayed for stiffer punishment.

In mitigation, defense council Smart Khalifa prayed for the courts leniency and suspended sentence stating that the accused had shown remorse by pleading guilty and the card is still intact and nothing was taken from it or been tampered with.

Passing judgment, Second Grade Magistrate Baxton Chikalimba said the court considered the mitigation factors; the fact that the mission was incomplete and the only benefit from his behavior was loss of job but also that the offense was intended to put the Stores Clerk’s job at jeopardy which is inhuman.

He, therefore, sentenced him to 18 months IHL effective from the day of his arrest.

Wilfred Kusala comes from Chilemere Village, Traditional Authority Chikowi in Zomba.