Thieving patient convicted: SDA Church thieves caught

A  Tuberculosis (TB) patient who was caught stealing beddings at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) has been convicted and slapped with suspended jail sentence by the Blantyre Magistrates Court.

The patient, 44-year-old Frank Duli was arrested together with his wife Sungeni Duli, 40, on 9^th October by QECH security officers.

According to details presented in court, Frank Duli was admitted to the hospital in September this year after being diagnosed with TB. And whilst in the hospital, together with his wife, he started stealing blankets and bedcovers within ward 3A.

He was caught on Tuesday (11^th October) after one of the patients raised the alarm. The couple appeared in court on Wednesday but denied the theft charge.

However, on Friday, Frank Duli changed his plea while the wife insisted on her innocence.

First Grade Magistrate Diana convicted and sentenced Frank Duli to four months imprisonment with hard labour but suspended the sentence for 12 months- in which Duli should not commit any felony.

Sungeni Duli will be back in court next week.

In another case, police in Blantyre are keeping in custody five people connected to the theft that took place at Seventh Day Adventist (South Malawi Field) Office in Sunnyside, Blantyre where computers and smart phones were stolen.

Blantyre police deputy Public Relations Officer, Andrew Mayawo said the five stole four sets of HP computers, one set of Dell Computer, three laptops, Blackberry and Itel smart-phones as well as Samsung Tablet.

The five have been identified as Clever Gomani, 28, James Chipojola, 47, 28-year-old Yohane Mwachuka, Chimwemwe Ligwetsa, 27, and Dickens Napara, 28.

When arrested, the suspects were found with three sets of HP computers, Dell Laptop, Omega TV screen, plasma TV, two sound speakers, JVC music system, two DVD players, a mixer and assorted computer accessories.

“Some of the items were sold in Milanje. We urge those in Blantyre who were victims of robbery to come to our offices and identify some of the items we have recovered,” said Mayawo.

The five will arraign in court next week on Robbery charge contrary to Section 301 of the Penal Code.

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