Guard jailed for theft

The Liwonde First Grade Magistrate Court on Wednesday sentenced a 23 year-old man to two years in prison for stealing solar panels.

The man, Ibrahim Justin, stole the panels from Inovantis Company where he was working as a guard.

According to public relations officer for Machinga police, a technician at Inovantis Company discovered that some solar panels were missing at the warehouse.

He told the company’s head of security who later saw a certain person carrying a solar panel similar to the stolen ones.

After that, all the security guards were interviewed and Justin admitted that he was the one who stole the solar panels. He was arrested and charged with theft by servant.                                                          

In court, state prosecutors asked for a stiff punishment saying Justin’s conduct damages the good reputation of Malawi as a country since Innovantis is an international company

In mitigation, Justin prayed for a fair punishment saying he is a breadwinner for his family.

In passing judgement, First Grade Magistrate Esther Phiri agreed with the prosecutor and sentenced Justin to two years imprisonment with hard labour.

Justin hails from Kaudzu Village, Traditional Sitola Machinga District.