A 22-year old student of the University of Malawi’s Polytechnic has been sentenced to two years and six months in jail for theft.

Henry Banda was caught stealing two laptops worth K250 000 (at least US$714) from girls’ hostels on the 13th of December, according to court records.

The first year student comes from Namphungo Village, Traditional Authority Ndamela in Mulanje District.

Judge Nellie Mbekwani of magistrate of Dayton court made the ruling.

Cases of theft and security issues at the college’s campus forced the authorities to construct a brick fence around the college.