Man jailed 8 years for causing grievous harm

The Chitipa First Grade Magistrate’s Court sitting at Kameme in the district has entenced Jeke Masungwa, 36, to eight years imprisonment for causing grievous harm.

The court heard that Masungwa was in a love affair with Mercy Sinyenga, 35, for about two years.

State prosecutor Fancy Sichali told the court that the accused went to Sinyenga’s house on March 24 2021 at 9pm where he found her with another man.

“This annoyed Masungwa who wanted to use a sharp object to stab the man, but missed and ended up stabbing his girlfriend in the abdomen,” said Sichali.

But Masungwa pleaded not guilty to the offence, a development that forced the State to parade two witnesses who testified against him.

Sinyenga, who underwent a surgery at Chitipa District Hospital, told the court she was critically injured by the accused, saying she sustained a big cut on her abdomen which could have cost her life.

The State asked the court to give a stiff penalty to the accused to deter other would-be offenders.

According to Sichali, such cases attract a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonement.

However, in mitigation, Masungwa prayed for the court’s leniency, saying he stabbed his girlfriend accidentally.

Masungwa comes from Mtandali Village while Sinyenga is from Bundonda Village, both in Senior Chief Kameme in Chitipa District.