Man sentenced to 5 years for attempting to steal handbag

Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s court on August 17, 2020 convicted and sentenced 19 year old Thom Kachikho, to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour for contravening section 301 of the penal code.

During court proceedings, Mangochi Police prosecutor Sergeant Augustine Kagwira told the court that, on the night of June 25, 2020, Kachikho and his two accomplices (who are still at large) attacked Mphatso Phiri 27, at Mpondasi Trading Centre on her way home.


The three ambushed Mphatso who was on kabaza taxi and snatched her handband which contained assorted items worthy K250,000,00.

The victim shouted for help and members of the community managed to apprehend Kachikho and handed him over to the Police.


Appearing in court, Kachikho pleaded not guilty prompting the state to parade three witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

In mitigation Kachikho asked for court’s leniency citing that he is too young to go to prison but prosecutor Kagwira prayed for a custodial sentence while justifying that residents have been complaining of the attacks during night hours at the scene of crime.


When passing judgement First Grade Magistrate Roy Kakutu concurred with state and handed Kachikho a 5 year jail term in order to deter other would be offenders.

Thom Kachikho hails from Saiti Kadzuwa village traditional authority Mponda in Mangochi.

Source:Mana