Man jailed for making woman deaf

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Machinga

A 33 year-old man in Balaka district has been sentenced to five years in jail after he assaulted a 65 year-old woman such that she lost her sense of hearing.

The man, Patrick Ellias, beat up the woman after she asked him to return a bicycle he stole from her.

The Balaka second grade magistrate court heard that the man stole Mary Wayilesi’s bicycle two years ago but after being caught he was told to return the bike and no case was brought against him.

CourtBut Ellias never surrendered the bike and on 16 August 2016 he hit the woman several times on the head with a stick after the two exchanged sour words over the issue.

Police prosecutor Patrick Kafumbula asked the court to consider giving the suspect a stiff punishment saying that the victim was severely injured and has consequently lost her hearing.

Passing judgment, second grade magistrate Victor Sibu concurred with the state and added that the woman, apart from losing her hearing sense, will also be unable to perform other chores hence the five years to deter would-be offenders.

Patrick Ellias hails from Manjanja village, Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka.