The Mangochi Second Grade Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Mustapha Antonio Stanley (34) to five years and three months imprisonment for illegal possession of firearm and escaping from lawful custody, while his colleague, Bashir Ayami (20) has been sentenced to two years imprisonment for illegal possession of a firearm.

The court heard from prosecutor Shadreck Wisiki that on June 5, 2024 the two were arrested at Namwera Trading Centre after they were found with a Retay Pistol, serial number R1YGCPRYS01-2300846, and two rounds of ammunition which they had stolen in South Africa.

Appearing before court, the convicts pleaded guilty to the charges and asked for leniency, citing family obligations.

In his submission, prosecutor Wisiki reminded the court that both convicts are habitual criminals.In March 2024, Mustapha escaped from Mangochi Prison while Ayami was previously convicted for robbery.

Second Grade Magistrate Baxter Chikalimba agreed with the State prosecutor, expressing concern that the two show that they have not been reformed yet.

Mustapha hails from Chiponde Village, while Ayami comes from Kabuthu Village, both in Traditional Authority Jalasi in the district.

Source: Nation Publications Limited