TEENAGER SENT TO REFORMATORY CENTRE FOR CRIMINAL OFFENCES

Police findings show that the convict has a criminal record and started stealing at the tender age of 8, writes Saidi Winnes.

MALAWI: The Mangochi First Grade Magistrate's Court has convicted a 14-year-old boy and ordered that he must be sent to Mpemba Reformatory Centre for committing housebreaking and theft offences.

During court proceedings, prosecutor Sub-inspector Regina Chikungwa told the court that on December 11, 2021, the convict broke into a certain woman's house after he dug a hole in front of the house and went away with the assorted property including a Panasonic radio worth K100,000.

Sub-inspector Chikungwaadded that the boy was apprehended by members of the community who brought him to the police.

In mitigation during his appearance in court, the juvenile pleaded guilty to all charges leveled against him and shocked the court when he said he had nothing to say.

However, Prosecutor Chikungwa reminded the court that the boy has a bad reputation in the community and his behaviour cannot be tolerated; hence, she prayed for a custodial penalty.

Passing judgment, First Grade Magistrate Roy Kakutu concurred with the state and ordered the juvenile to be sent to Mpemba Reformatory Centre until the board approves that he is changed.

The police findings show that the convict has a criminal record and started stealing at the tender age of 8.

He comes from Sadik Village Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi.