The Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has sentenced former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldier Precious Khonje to 10 years in prison for two counts of robbery.

Khonje, aged 30, committed the crime in June 2022 with nine accomplices who are still at large at Airwing (Njewa).

According to Lilongwe police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, Khonje and his accomplices tied a watchman, breaking into two semi-detached houses and stealing items valued at K1.6 million, including two plasma TV screens, cellphones, and cash.

The court heard that in an attempt to overpower the watchman, Khonje instructed his accomplices to decisively deal with him, even though he was married to the watchman’s niece.

The violent robbery and assault resulted in Khonje’s 10-year prison sentence.