First Grade Magistrate Court in Mangochi Thursday sentenced a 26 year old, Steven Fanuel to 12 years Imprisonment with Hard Labour after the court found him guilty of stealing nine cattle valued at K2.5 million contrary to section 281 of the Penal Code.

State Prosecutor, Sub Inspector, Ellias Chitsulo told the court that on the night of November 5 to 6, 2021, Fanuel went to steal cattle belonging to Chikadza Jemitala who lives in Dedza.

Fanuel was arrested on November 29, 2021 in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Namkumba after Police launched manhunt for him.

Appearing in court, Fanuel pleaded not guilty to the offence which prompted the state to parade three witnesses that testified against him and in the end the court found him guilty.

In his submission, Prosecutor Chitsulo asked for stiffer sentence saying that Fanuel was not a first offender saying that he is currently in prison serving a sentence after being sentenced to eight years IHL by the Monkey bay First Grade Magistrate Court for stealing nine cattle.

First Grade Magistrate, Roy Kakutu said a stiffer punishment was ideal and sentenced him 12 IHL to save as a warning to would be offenders.

Fanuel comes from Ziwoya Village, TA Kachindamoto in Dedza and is currently serving at Mangochi Prison.

Source:Mana