Second Grade Magistrate Court in Mangochi on Wednesday convicted and sentenced Idrisa Jasten, 18 to 60 months imprisonment with hard labour for being found guilty for robbing Ishmael Kabichi cash amounting to K120, 000, contrary to Section 301 of the Penal Code.
State Prosecutor, Sub Inspector, Margaret Chibulire told the court that Jasten committed the offence on September 24, 2024 at Mapira Village at Senior Chief Mapiras area in the district.
According to Chibulire, on this day, Kabichi, a student at Orama Private school was coming from his aunt’s house to collect money for school fees and upon reaching Mapira Village the convict, accompanied by three others who are still at large, assaulted and robbed him K120, 000.
“Jasten and three others used some stones in order to overpower the victim, causing several injuries. The victim’s right cheek got swollen such that he could not speaking,
“People later found Kabichi lying unconscious at the scene. The incident was reported to Police, leading to arrest of Jasten,” the prosecutor added.
Appearing before Second Grade Magistrate, Baxson Chikalimba, Jasten pleaded guilty to the count leveled against him, compelling the court to convict him upon his own admission and facts presented by the state.
In mitigation, Jasten asked for court’s leniency admitting that he was wrong and further asked the court to consider the fact that he was a form 2 student.
Jasten said his education would be compromised once the court send him to prison.
In submission, State Prosecutor asked the court to impose a stiffer punishment, saying that students were mostly robbed of their money and other belongings.
Sub Inspector, Chibulire said custodial sentence would be ideal to Jasten to serve him a lesson and would be offenders in the district.
Magistrate Chikalimba concurred with the state that Jasten’s behaviour was disturbing peace in the district, saying this was counterproductive to development.
“People like Jasten are a threat to our communities. It is sad that he is so young but already a dangerous criminal.
Money was not recovered, causing a burden to the guardians of the accused to source another money for fees.
“I therefore will impose a longer custodial sentence to reform him,” Magistrate Chikalimba said, as he sentenced him to 60 months IHL.
Jasten comes from Mtasi Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Mapira in Mangochi.
Source:MANA
