By Lauryn M’banga

A court in Zomba has sentenced Kondwani Kanyama to five years in prison for burglary and theft barely two months after being pardoned by President Lazarus Chakwera as part of this year’s Independence Day celebration.

On August 14 this year, Kanyama stole assorted kitchen utensils, in a house at Jali Trading Centre, and came back ten days later to steal again but was chased in the process leaving his slippers that led to his identification.

Appearing before the court, Kanyama pleaded guilty to the charges but asked for leniency, citing that he is an orphan.

However, passing the sentence, Mulunguzi Senior Resident Magistrate Mercy Bonongwe slapped him with five years for burglary and two years for theft, saying that he is not a first-time offender, and the two offences are very serious in nature.

Kanyama will serve the two sentences concurrently.

Last month, Nkhunga First Grade Magistrate court also sentenced Levison Wire, 36, who was among 35 prisoners who were freed in July.