Mzimba Second Grade Magistrate’s court has convicted and sentenced a 34-year-old man, to 3 years imprisonment with hard labour for personating a public officer and theft at Luviri in the district.

Public Relations Officer For Jenda Police Station Macfarlen Mseteka, had identified the convict as John Mwanza.

Presenting the facts in court, the state prosecutor Sub Inspector Gloria Nambala said Mwanza on July 03, 2023 presented himself as a Malawi Defence Force officer at Luviri and demanded 52 timbers and money amounting to K100,000 from Gladwell Manda.

Appearing before court, Mwanza pleaded not guilty to the charges which prompted the state to parade three witnesses to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

In mitigation Mwanza asked the court for leniency stating that he has family obligations.

In his submission prosecutor Nambala reminded the court that the convict was rescued by police in the hands of angry mob who wanted to manhandle him hence asked for a custodial sentence.

Passing sentence, Second Grade Magistrate Wongani Kumwenda concurred with the state hence slapped Mwanza with 3 years imprisonment with hard labour to deter other would-be offenders.

John Mwanza hails from Kajikhomere village, Traditional Authority Mzikubola in Mzimba District.