Man jailed for 60 years for rape and theft

The High Court in Lilongwe has sentenced 26-year-old Chisomo Harold to 60 years of hard labour for rape and and robbery.

The Chief Resident Magistrate’s court in Lilongwe was informed by State Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent Richard Kandeya that Harold, along with three accomplices who remain at large, committed these crimes last month in Area 46 of the capital city.

Kandeya, who is stationed at the Lilongwe Police Station, further testified that the assailants, wearing face masks and armed with panga knives, metal bars, and a hammer, forcibly entered a residence where two of the criminals, including Harold, brutally raped a woman in front of her children and husband.

The gang subsequently stole cash totaling K420,000, three bicycles, two cellphones, and various household items.

Harold, who is reportedly linked to a group of street-connected youths known as “Amasikini,” was apprehended along the banks of the Lilongwe River behind Sana Mega Stores, where he was hiding.

The police also recovered one bicycle, a phone, and other stolen goods after tracking where the items had been sold.

When brought before the Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court, Harold admitted guilt to the charges of rape and robbery.

The Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court found Harold guilty following a complete trial.

In his arguments, Prosecutor Kandeya urged the court to impose a severe custodial sentence, highlighting the serious nature of the crimes and the violent manner in which they were executed.

The State also informed the Court that Harold is not a first-time offender, as he was previously convicted in a robbery-related case, for which he received a 32-month prison sentence from the Lilongwe First Grade Magistrate Court last year.

However, he only served a few months of that sentence before two general Presidential pardons reduced his term, allowing for his release in November of last year.

Harold hails from Ntemwende Village, Traditional Authority Tambala in Dedza District.