Theft takes man to four years in prison

The Phalombe First Grade Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Gilford Chikopa and Samson Moyenda to four years in prison for the theft of irrigation equipment belonging to the Khamula irrigation scheme, which is valued at K22 million.

State prosecutor Victor Nachuma informed the court that on May 1, 2025, the two were apprehended while stealing a water pump, solar panels, and pipes, after allegedly committing the theft on April 30, 2026.

The defendants pleaded for leniency, stating that they have families who rely on them.

Nevertheless, while delivering his sentence, First Grade Magistrate Leonard Mtosa imposed custodial sentences on the pair to serve as a warning to others.

Both individuals are from Mukwala Village, located in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Nyezelera in the Phalombe district.