Three men, Patrick Jackson, 27, of Chambuluka village Traditional Authority Maseya, Chifundo Samu, 28, and Alick Fred, 38, both from Bester Village Traditional Authority Lundu in Chikwawa, have been convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with hard labor each for stealing 19 cattle valued at K8.5 million.

The theft took place on April 6, 2023, in Malemia village in the district, as revealed during the court proceedings at the Nchalo First Grade Magistrate’s court.

Despite initially pleading not guilty, the trio was found guilty based on testimony from three witnesses who testified in court.

Sub Inspector Henry Walusa, the state prosecutor from Nchalo Police Post, urged the court to impose a stiff custodial sentence, citing the rampant livestock theft problem in Chikwawa district and the need to deter potential offenders.

Walusa also noted that out of the 19 stolen cattle, only 12 were recovered, resulting in a significant financial loss for the owner.