A family dispute over bamboo in Dedza has landed a 44-year-old woman, Catherine Silvester, 14 years in jail with hard labour for setting her brother’s house ablaze while he was sleeping.
Dedza First Grade Magistrate Court heard that on 7th August 2026, the victim went to Catherine’s garden and cut some bamboo without her knowledge.
Later, Catherine’s son confronted his uncle over the issue and the victim did not respond and went home.
The matter escalated when Catherine went to her brother’s house and started shouting at him.
When he again ignored her and went to sleep, Catherine collected grass, set it on fire and torched his house while he was inside.
The victim sustained burn injuries and reported the matter at Dedza Police Station where he was issued a medical report before Catherine was arrested.
Appearing in court, Catherine Silvester pleaded guilty to acts intended to cause grievous harm.
In presenting facts, the state said the offence was serious because it involved blood relatives and was premeditated, as Catherine set fire to the house while her brother was sleeping.
In mitigation, Catherine told the court she is the sole caregiver for her children and her husband, who has a disability and she regretted her actions and asked for forgiveness from both the court and her brother, pleading for a lenient sentence.
However, First Grade Magistrate Anthony Banda agreed with the State that the offence was avoidable and required a strong sentence to deter similar acts.
He therefore sentenced Catherine Silvester to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour.
Catherine Silvester hails from Kamgulitse Village, Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza in Dedza District.
