Machinga First Grade Magistrate Court, on Monday convicted and sentenced 43-year old Lucius Unga Katimbe to 14 years Imprisonment with Hard labour (IHL), for robbery and rapping a 56-year old woman.
The State, through Police Prosecutor, Inspector Richard Kandeya, told the w that the incidence occurred in the house of the victim at night, last month.
According to Kandeya, Katimbe and his unidentified colleague, threatened the victim and tired her hands and legs using ropes.
“My Lord, the victim was sleeping alone in her house, but she heard the breaking sound and saw two men enter the house with panga knives,” said Kandeya.
The thieves stole clothing and a variety of food items, and cash. The two criminals then raped the woman.
The Machinga Police Prosecutor disclosed to the Court that the stolen items were valued at k45,000.
However, the accused denied all the charges, but the State paraded three witnesses to prove the matter beyond reasonable doubt.
After changing his plea to guilty, Prosecutor Kandeya asked the Court to impose a stiff punishment to the convicts. He said “he committed serious offences and no recovery was made.”
During mitigation, the convict prayed for fair punishment because he was a first offender.
In passing judgement, His Worship First Grade Magistrate Jones Masula, concurred with the State and sentenced Katimbe to 14 years IHL.
Katimbe halls from Mtutile village, Traditional Authority Nyambi in Machinga District.
