4 jailed for robbing youth organisation
Mzuzu First Grade Magistrate’s Court has sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment four robbers who broke into the Centre for Youth and Development (CYD) offices in Mzuzu last December.
Christopher Adam, 31; Macdonald Kalonga, 24; Luya Matebule, 24, and Charles Mwale, 28, were jailed for stealing 41 computers, digital cameras and a bicycle, all valued at K6 million.
However, the court has acquitted Gerald Banda, 30, due to lack evidence.
The court heard that the convicts, armed with panga knives and iron bars, assaulted and tied CYD guards Osman Nyirongo and Mavuto Sambo before smashing windows and the door.
The gang hid the loot at their friend’s home in Chiputula Township in Mzuzu.
“They were arrested a week later and it transpired that they are also connected to serious robbery cases in Zomba, Balaka and Salima,” said Northern Region Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya.
The State paraded eight witnesses, including the owner of the house where the police recovered the loot.
The convicts asked for leniency, saying they are still youthful breadwinners likely to contribute to the country’s development.
But first grade magistrate Alexander Gomba said they “are enemies of the State”, for the computers they stole were donations meant to develop the youth into responsible citizens
The four were locked up at Mzuzu Prison, but Kalaya said they were likely to be transferred to Zomba to answer more theft and robbery charges.
Robbery with violence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. n
