A 39-year-old man, Billy Adam Mkweta, has been sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with hard labor for impersonating a police officer and stealing K26 million from a local businessman in Mangochi.

Mangochi senior resident magistrate Muhammad Chande convicted Mkweta following a trial in which the court heard that the convict befriended the victim’s son, posing as a police officer, and gained trust to steal the money.

Police prosecutor Shadreck Wisiki told the court that Mkweta lied about a property sale, sending fake pictures, and stole K26 million. He also stole two freezers and a phone worth K2.2 million from the victim’s shop.

Mkweta was arrested in Zomba after the victim reported the matter to police.

In his submission, Wisiki requested a stiff punishment, citing the serious and rampant nature of the offense.

Mangochi Police assistant public relations officer Bertha Chideru said the convict will serve his sentence at Mangochi Prison.

Mkweta hails from Mkweta Village, Traditional Authority Kalembo in Balaka.