Liwonde Second Grade Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday sentenced Abdul Milonde to serve eight years prison term for stealing two mobile phones and a goat.

Machinga Police Station Prosecution witness, Sub Inspector Davie Katandika told the court that on April 10,2019, the complainant, Dan Van Msiska was traveling from Zomba to Mangochi on a Ford Ranger Vehicle Registration number BS 8006.

He told the court that upon arriving at Chinamwali Trading Centre, Milonde waved him to stop and asked for a lift to Mangochi.

“Upon arrival at Chingale Turn-off in Machinga, Msiska stopped to arrange the items which were in the van of the vehicle. He was later surprised to notice that Milonde had disappeared,” the Court heard.

It was heard that the complainant discovered that the convict had stolen his two cell phones Samsung J3, Tonason Tablet and a travelling bag, all valued at K750, 000. 00.

Katandika said when the matter was reported to Machinga Police Station, the law enforcers instituted an investigation which led to the arrest of Milonde on April 17 2019.

“Police managed to recover the stolen two cell phones and Milone was later charged with the offence of theft of goods in transit contrary to section 278 of the penal code,” the court heard. 

It was learnt in court that before committing this offence, Milonde had committed another offence of theft of a goat and was earlier sentenced to 42 months Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL) by Domasi Second Grade Magistrate’s Court on June 23 2017 but escaped from prison on September 12, 2018 before completing his sentence.

Appearing the Court, Milonde pleaded guilty and admitted the charges such that he was convicted on his own plea of guilty.

Liwonde Second Grade Magistrate, Philip Chibwana sentenced Milonde to 54 months IHL.

He said Milonde would start serving the sentence upon completion of his first sentence, implying that he would be behind bars for 96 months.

Milonde, 42, hails from Chisuto Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Malemia in Zomba.