IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAWI
PRINCIPAL REGISTRY
CONFIRMATION CASE NO. 342 OF 2006

BETWEEN:

THE REPUBLIC

AND

AFIKI JAFALI

(From the First Grade Magistrate Court sitting at Liwonde being Criminal Case No. 201 of 2005)

CORAM:	HONOURABLE JUSTICE M. L. KAMWAMBE
		M/S Ng’ong’ola of Counsel for the State
		Mrs Mangisoni Official Interpreter

R U L I N G

Kamwambe, J

The accused was charged with the offence of burglary and theft contrary to sections 309 (a) and 278 of the penal Code respectively.  He was sentenced to 10 years IHL on the 1st count and 2 years IHL on the 2nd count.  When he broke into the house he stole a bicycle, blanket, towel and a radio.  The case was set down to consider reduction of sentence on the 1st count as it appeared to be grossly excessive. 

The accused is a 1st young offender at 21 years who pleaded guilty to the offence.  Starting point for the offence of burglary is 6 years IHL to be increased or decreased according to aggravating or mitigating circumstances.  The accused gained entry into the house through a window.  No evidence of serious damage when breaking into the house exists.  In my view there are more mitigating factors than aggravating ones.  I therefore substitute the sentence of 10 years IHL to one of 48 months.

Made in Chambers this 22nd March 2007 at Blantyre.

M  L  Kamwabwe
JUDGE