According to State Prosecutor Sub-Inspector Jane Juma, Pias was entrusted by his uncle to retrieve the vehicle for repairs after an accident on October 26, 2021. However, instead of fulfilling this responsibility, he took the vehicle to an undisclosed location and sold it for 3.5 million kwacha.

He remained at large until his arrest on April 9, 2023, at Mwanza Trading Centre by the Criminal Investigations Department officers.

During the trial, Pias pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, the state paraded three witnesses who corroborated the case, leading to his conviction for motor vehicle theft, an offense under section 282 of the penal code.

Pias appealed to the court for leniency, citing the familial relationship between him and his uncle, claiming that “blood is thicker than water.” Nevertheless, the state emphasized the gravity of the offense and the threat posed by individuals like the convict within society.

First Grade Magistrate Gladstone Chilundu agreed with the state’s argument, imposing a sentence of 66 months imprisonment with hard labour to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.

Chipiliro Pias hails from Liwonde village, Traditional Authority Kanduku in Mwanza.