Man jailed for hacking sister, brother

Nkhata Bay Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 29-year-old man to 13 years imprisonment with hard labour for hacking his sister,15, and brother, 2, with an axe.

Northern Region Police assistant spokesperson Martin Bwanali identified the convict as Lameck Mwale of Chikamba Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Fukamapiri in Nkhata Bay.

Bwanali said the convict was arrested after hacking his physically challenged sister on the neck before hacking the two-year-old brother on the head.

“The victims were rushed to Chintheche Rural Hospital and later referred to Nkhata Bay District Hospital. The suspect was arrested and charged with two counts of causing grievous harm,” said Bwanali.

When he appeared before court last week, the Mwale pleaded guilty to charges, but said he acted under the influence of Indian hemp.

Police prosecutor Chikondi Lipato asked the court to give a stiffer punishment saying the lives of the two were in danger because of Mwale’s conduct.

Magistrate Anthony Banda then sentenced Mwale to 13 years imprisonment with hard labour, describing the act by the convict as barbaric.

Police have since hailed the ruling by the court, saying the sentence will help reform the convict.