LILONGWE (Maravi Post)–The High Court Judge Fiona Mwale on Friday sentenced Cashgate convict Angella Katengeza to five years in jail for being found guilty of siphoning public funds worthy MK105 million (US$146 444).
Although Katenga pleaded for a suspended sentence due to her deteriorating health condition, the court found her argument not relevant regarding the gravity of the offense she committed.
Katengeza’s lawyer, Gilbert Khonyongwa last week told the presiding Judge Fiona Mwale that his client has heart problem and Hypertension arguing that a custodial sentence will lead to even more deterioration of her health condition when condemned to Malawi prisons.
The defense team went further telling the court that Katengeza is a first time offender who had no intention to steal from government but was rather duped, exploited, used and dragged into criminal activity.
But after Judge Mwale passed the judgement, Katengeza broke down and cried uncontrollably in the court room.
“Just kill me, I don’t want to be alive anymore. Just finish me,” cried Katengeza.
Katengeza was initially charged alongside former tourism officer in the Ministry of Tourism Leonard Kalonga.