By Twink Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-A 37-year-old Indiana national identified as Asif Master has been convicted and sentenced to 11 years imprisonment with hard labour for setting ablaze his boss’s shop and burning property worth MK650 million in Mangochi, Malawi.

The court heard that Master misappropriated a staggering sum of MK45 million due to his gambling addiction, leading to his drastic actions.

Master, who was working as a Manager at Steel World Shop in Mangochi, was addicted to BDR and Aviator betting.

His boss, Safraz Ibrahim, based in Blantyre, began to notice frequent losses and informed Master that auditors would be sent and CCTV cameras installed in the shop to monitor the situation.

This news struck fear in Master, who had already squandered MK45 million from the shop’s sales.

Faced with the possibility of being caught, Master resorted to desperate measures.

He hired his shop assistant, James Mayere, who is still at large, and paid him MK1.5 million through Airtel money to set the shop on fire and destroy the evidence of his theft.

On the early morning of April 22nd, 2024, Mayere was seen fleeing through the back window after throwing a petrol bomb, igniting the shop.

Despite efforts from well-wishers to extinguish the flames, the fire raged on and caused extensive damage to the property.

The police were alerted to the scene, where they found footprints and a cap belonging to the fugitive suspect.

Through thorough investigations, Master was identified as the mastermind behind the arson, as he failed to explain why he had sent a large sum of money to Mayere.

In court, Master pleaded guilty to charges of arson and theft by servant.

When given the opportunity to mitigate his actions, he shockingly stated that he had nothing to say, leaving many wondering about the depths of his betrayal and greed.

The sentencing of Master to 11 years imprisonment with hard labour serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of addiction and the consequences of dishonesty.

His actions not only destroyed property worth millions but also shattered the trust of his employer and the community.

The aftermath of Master’s betrayal has left many in shock and disbelief, with the once-thriving Steel World Shop now reduced to ashes.

Safraz Ibrahim, the owner of the shop, expressed his feelings of betrayal and disappointment, stating that he never expected such deceit from someone he had trusted.

As the people of Mangochi attempt to recover from this tragic event, the story of Asif Master serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of greed and addiction.

His path of destruction has left a lasting mark on the community, showcasing the importance of integrity and accountability in all aspects of life.