Mattress thief gets five years

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NkhataBay First Grade Magistrate Court on Friday sentenced a 26-year-old man to five years in jail for stealing mattresses from a tourist.

The man Esau Banda was found guilty of breaking into a building and committing a felony.

Presenting facts, the state prosecutor sergeant Pachalo Nyirenda of Chintheche Police told the court that Banda committed the offence in December, 2017.

“Banda broke into a building and stole three double by six inches mattresses belonging to a British National Nina Roots who was based at Kande Trading Centre in the district,” said Nyirenda.

Appearing in court, Esau Banda pleaded not guilty to the charge which forced the state to parade three witnesses whose evidence proved the matter beyond reasonable doubt.

In submission before sentencing, Nyirenda pleaded with the court to give the convict a stiff punishment saying his conduct may have negative impact on tourism since the complainant is a tourist.

In mitigation, Banda asked for a fair punishment for he is a breadwinner and that he is suffering from skin rashes.

When passing judgment, his worship First Grade Magistrate Manson Phiri expressed great concern over Banda’s behaviour and he sentenced him to five years in jail.

Esau Banda hails from Mkaonda village in the area of Traditional Authority Fukamapiri in NkhataBay.