The First Grade Magistrate Court in Ntcheu has sentenced a 32-year-old man, Kondwani Banda to pay a fine of K80,000 or in default, save 18 months imprisonment with hard labour for attempting to kill himself.

Ntcheu Police Station Public Relations Officer Sub Inspector Rebecca Ndiwate said Banda who hailed from Kamtsitsi Village, Traditional Authority Ganya in the district was accused of stealing a chicken, belonging to his grandmother as narrated by State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Kawait Chiona in court on July 9th, 2023.

“He was chased out of the grandmother’s house until his return on 12 July, 2023 and was seen hanging behind the house before being rescued while unconscious and taken to a nearest health facility before his arrest,” Ndiwate said.

Banda pleaded guilty after appearing before court to the charge levelled against him and in mitigation, he prayed for leniency citing that he is persuing studies in one of the Colleges.

“During submission, First Grade Magistrate Chimdima Phiri condemned the act, citing that Banda would have sought guidance and counseling from relevant authorities rather than resorting to take his own life as he sentenced Banda to pay a fine of K80,000 or in default, 18 months imprisonment to deter potential offenders.