Dedza, February 29, Mana: The Second Grade Magistrate Court in Dedza on Wednesday convicted and sentenced a 21-year-old man, Meckias Lubano to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for chopping off Kadeni Sayiwala’s hand with a panga knife over land issues.

The court heard that Lubano committed the offence on 29th January, 2024 at Msesa Village in the district.

According to State Prosecuter, Inspector Same Liwonde, the two had been in a land dispute for a long time.

“On the stated date, Sayiwala was in his maize field doing farm work and suddenly Lubano popped up whilst carrying a panga knife and started calling Sayiwala names including that of a witch.

“They continued quarrelling until a fight broke out and Sayiwala was overpowered. Lubano produced a panga knife and cut Sayiwala’s left hand and fled,” Liwonde told the court.

He said the matter was reported to Dedza Police Station where investigations were instituted leading to the arrest of the culprit who was charged with grievous harm.

Appearing before court, Lubano pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against him.

In submission, Liwonde prayed for stiffer punishment stating that the convict caused a prolonged trauma on the victim as it will be difficult for him to do work as he used to.

In mitigation, the convict said he is young hence pleaded for leniency.

Passing sentence, disregarded the mitigating factors and slapped Lubano seven years IHL.

Meckias Lubano hails from Msesa Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Kamenyagwaza in Dedza.