The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Blantyre has convicted and sentenced 27-year-old Emmanuel Gama to 14 years imprisonment with hard labor for arson.
Gama, a former security guard at Venus Bottle Store, was found guilty of breaking into the bar and setting fire to a generator and computer, causing damage worth MK 36 million.
According to Soche Police public relations officer Aaron Chilala ,Gama was apprehended after being captured on CCTV camera and later pleaded guilty to the charge.
Chilala said Gama asked for mercy, citing that he was a first offender and a family breadwinner.
However, Chilala said , the state prosecutor argued for a custodial sentence due to the serious nature of the crime and breach of trust.
He added that ,Senior Resident Magistrate Lawrence Mchilima concurred with the state’s submission and sentenced Gama to 14 years imprisonment with hard labor, citing deterrence for potential offenders.
Gama, from Njobvuyalema in Ntcheu district, will serve his sentence as a consequence of his actions.
