Man sent to prison for stealing sugarcane, Irish Potatoes

A 28-year-old man named Yohane Jackson has been sentenced by Mangunda Second Grade Magistrate’s Court in Thyolo to four and a half years in prison for theft of sugarcane and Irish potatoes.

Second Grade Magistrate James Balakasi imposed a 36-month sentence for the sugarcane theft and an 18-month sentence for the Irish potato theft.

According to Luchenza Police prosecutor Jafali Wemusi, Jackson initially stole sugarcane on August 8, 2026, and was subsequently arrested on September 26 following the theft of Irish potatoes.Community Police Forum members detained Jackson and transferred him to police custody.

Jackson entered guilty pleas to both charges, and the State requested a severe sentence, characterizing him as a repeat offender.

During mitigation, the defendant appealed for leniency based on family responsibilities; however, the court accepted the State’s recommendation and imposed consecutive sentences.

Jackson is a resident of Maganiza Village, Traditional Authority Maganiza in Thyolo.