Salima ‘bad man’ sent to prison

The Salima First Grade Magistrate’s Court has imposed a 30-month prison sentence on Austin Chimbalanga, 20, for severely assaulting and injuring a colleague over a K9,000 debt.

State prosecutor Pemphero Dzanjalimodzi informed the court that, the victim visited Kasonda Village in Traditional Authority Khombedza to drink beer, where he encountered Chimbalanga, to whom he owed K9,000.

“When the victim was asked for the money, he did not provide it. This infuriated Chimbalanga, who subsequently slapped the victim, causing him to fall and lose consciousness,” Dzanjalimodzi said.

The victim was initially taken to Khombedza Clinic and later transferred to Salima Central Hospital, eventually reaching Kamuzu Central Hospital, where medical assessments revealed that the fall had impacted his brain and spine, leading to memory loss.

Chimbalanga admitted guilt to the charge of causing grievous bodily harm.

In his defense, he pleaded with the court for mercy, stating that he has a family to support.

First grade magistrate Amran Phiri issued the custodial sentence to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.

Chimbalanga is a resident of Kasonda Village, Traditional Authority Khombedza, in Salima District.