The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe has sentenced four men to prison terms ranging from 13 to 20 years after being found guilty of armed robbery.

Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu has confirmed the development and identified the convicts as Yohane Daniel (26) and Evance Lufeyo (39) were each handed 20-year sentences, while Dickson Mavuto (30) received 13 years, and Madalitso Soniyala (37) was sentenced to 18 years.

Chigalu explained that the group, along with over ten other unidentified accomplices, broke into a house in Area 46 during the early hours of December 25. Armed with pangas and other dangerous weapons, the gang demanded phones, cash, and laptops from the occupants.

During the robbery, the criminals reportedly assaulted two children in the house, as well as two guests who had arrived for a wedding that was scheduled for the next day. In fear for their lives, the parents surrendered two phones valued at K600,000 and K25,000 in cash.

Following a police investigation, the four suspects were arrested, but authorities say the search continues for the remaining gang members who participated in the violent robbery.