By Alice Ndunya

Machinga, May 29, Mana: Malundani Second Grade Magistrate Court sitting at Nselema in Machinga District on Thursday convicted and sentenced Muhamad Buba, 20, to four years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for house breaking, theft, and stabbing a police officer at the back of his neck as he tried to arrest him.

According to Sergeant Alex Macheso, a prosecutor from Nselema Police, the incident occurred on May 7, 2025, at Mwitiya Village, Traditional Authority Kapoloma, in Machinga District.

He said that around 10:00 p.m., the convict broke into the house of Fatima Muhammad Shamz, age 40, and stole various properties amounting to K2,231,500, which included an upright fridge of 210 litres.

Macheso further told the court that recovery of the stolen items was done following a tip-off by a motorcycle operator who disclosed the whereabouts of the convict.

But when the police raided the convict at his house at Nanyumbu, they only recovered the property as  Buba fled to an unknown location, according to the state prosecutor..

“Police officers went back to the convict’s house on the night of May 13 to effect an arrest, but when he discovered that police officers were in his house, he went to hide behind the bedroom door,

“Whilst ransacking him, Detective Sergeant Peter Lupano of Nselema Police discovered him behind the door. The convict pulled a knife and stabbed Lupano on the lower back of his neck, but he managed to overpower him,” Macheso added..

Appearing before the Second Grade Magistrate Court on May 29, Buba pleaded guilty to all three counts levelled against him.

In his submission, Macheso prayed for stiffer punishment considering that Shamz lost some of her properties, including an upright fridge which is not functioning.

In mitigation, the convict pleaded for leniency, stating that he is young, a first-time offender, and that his parents are old, such that they depend on him for their needs.

Presenting the sentence, Magistrate Richard Kambanje concurred with the state on the gravity of the offence.

He therefore sentenced Buba to four years' imprisonment with hard labour.

Buba comes from Telela Village at Paramount Chief Kawinga’s area in Machinga District.