The Makande Second Grade Magistrate’s Court in Chikwawa on Wednesday jailed two men for house-breaking and theft offences.

Chikwawa police station public relations officer said the two are Beston Chimkango and Mphaso Harold, both aged 20 and were given 6 and 3 years imprisonment, respectively.

State Prosecutor Mwanyala Goche told the court that the first convict, Chimkango, broke into Pastor Emmanuel Kamunula’s house and stole iron sheets and other items worth over K100,000.

He committed the offence on 3 May 2019 at Saopa village under Senior Chief Ngabu in the district.

The second convict, Harold, in April this year, stole a 50 kilogram bag of cotton valued over K18,000 from Billiat M’madi’s house.

During their trial, Chimkango pleaded guilty while Harold denied the charges.

Prosecutor Goche asked the court to impose harsh sentences on the the accused since the items stolen were not recovered.

Goche further argued that Harold had not reformed since he was previously convicted on a theft offence; hence a stiff penalty.

Magistrate Chiyembekezo Phiri concurred with the state and sentenced Chimkango to 6 years imprisonmet for breaking and 3 years for theft.

He went on slapping Harold with 3 years for breaking and 3 months for theft.

All the sentences will run concurrently.

Chimkango comes from Saopa village while Harold is from Wizalamu village under Senior Chief Ngabu in Chikwawa District.