Mapuyu Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe has sentenced a 26-year old man to 5 years in prison for stealing a motorcycle.

The man, Samson Steven, was Thursday convicted on his own plea of guilty on a charge of robbery.

State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Steve Galleta told the court that the convict, on August 5 2022 at about 18:00 hours, hired kabaza operator David Levison to ferry him from Namitete Bus Depot to the nearby White Village.

On their arrival at the said village, the convict spread hot chilli pepper into the rider’s eyes, forcing him to stop.

Immediately, Steven vanished with the bike before being arrested the following day by Namitete and Namizana Border Police.

The motorcycle was also recovered from him.

In court, he pleaded guilty and asked the court to be lenient with him, claiming he was looking after his old granny.

However, the State prayed for a harsh penalty, arguing kabaza attacks were on the rise, with some costing lives in the process.

Passing her sentence, Second Grade Magistrate Lily Munyenyembe bought into the State’s plea.

She then slapped Steven with five years imprisonment with hard labour, saying this could deter others.

Steven comes from Chinyama Village Traditional Authority Kalolo in Lilongwe District.