Teenager jailed four years over mobile theft

An 18 years old boy, Daniel Maviache who stole an LG mobile-phone has been convicted and sentencedto four years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) by Blantyre Magistrate Court.

Maviache, who hails from Khonjeni village, T/A Kapichi in Thyolo, committed the crime on 5th May this year at Soche Quarry near Escom Satellite when, together with his unnamed accomplice currently at large, attacked Chifundo Lepani.

Senior Resident Magistrate, Kaira found Maviache, who has been on remand since his arrest, guilty after full trial despite pleading not guilty.

Police officer Elton Chakhaza prosecution,  told the court that, Maviache attacked Lepani with panga knife before robbing him the mobile handset, adding he was apprehended by the members of the general public after the victim shouted for help.justice

Chakhaza, therefore, urged the court not to be lenient in its ruling, noting that robbery cases were on increase, hence a need of stiff punishment to deter would be offenders.

“The court should take note that, the accused was armed with panga knife with his accomplice still at large. And the complainant in this case, has suffered as he was traumatised and his cell-phone has not been recovered,” Chakhaza told the court.

Chakhaza also told the court that the theft or loss of a mobile phone can have a massive impact on the owner – particularly the information, contacts, and photos contained on it.

But Maviache, in mitigation, pleaded for court’s consideration, saying he has had worse experience at Chichiri prison during his remand. He added that he is married with a newly born baby to support.

Maviache said: “I am also the citizen of this country, therefore, if am sent to jail, government stand to lose a lot. And the situation at prison is worse. There is lack of food, which I plead with the court to consider when passing its ruling”.

The Magistrate sent him to prison.

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