Second Grade Magistrate Court in Mangochi on Monday convicted and sentenced Joseph Madadi, 24 to 66 months’ Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL) for being found guilty of burglary and theft, contrary to Section 309 and Section 278 respectively of the Penal Code.

State Prosecutor, Sub Inspector, Ted Namaona told the court that during the night of April 25, 2024, at Ntalimanja Village in Mangochi, Madadi broke and entered Bwana Issa’s house and stole LG home theatre, Redmi 9A cellphone and two speakers all amounting to K480,000.

Appearing before Second Grade Magistrate, Baxton Chikalimba, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him which prompted the state to parade witnesses that proved the case beyond reasonable doubt and court convicted him upon state evidence presented in the court.

In mitigation, Madadi asked for court’s leniency stating that he was the only male child in his family who looks after his old parents, siblings, wife and children, adding that if sent to prison, his family will suffer.

In his submission, the State Prosecutor said that the accused was not a first-time offender but an ex-convict.

Sub Inspector Namaona asked for stiffer punishment and longer custodial sentence to serve as a lesson to Madadi for failing to reform after being released from prison.

“Madadi was convicted of theft in 2021 and was pardoned in 2023 through a presidential pardon. He has shown no signs of reformation, making him a bad influence on society. He needs to be locked up and kept away from the society,” the State Prosecutor added.

Magistrate Chikalimba concurred with the state that Madadi’s behaviour was disturbing peace in the district, saying this was counterproductive to the country’s development.

He sentenced him to 66 months IHL.

Madadi hails from Chikundo Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Mponda in Mangochi.