IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAWI
PRINCIPAL REGISTRY
CONFIRMATION CASE NO. 658 OF 2000
THE REPUBLIC
VERSUS
BRIAN JACKSON MALOLA IDI
From the Resident Magistrate Court Sitting
at Blantyre: Criminal Case No. 508 of 2000
CORAM: HON. MR JUSTICE KAPANDA
Miss Chimwaza, Deputy Chief State Advocate
Accused, present and Unrepresented
Chisi, Recording Officer
Date of hearing : 11th April 2003
Date of order : 11th April 2003
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Kapanda, J
ORDER IN CONFIRMATION
The defendant pleaded guilty to a charge of Armed Robbery. The court then sentenced him to 6 years imprisonment with hard labour.
The reviewing judge is of the view that the sentence is manifestly inadequate. I agree with him entirely. The convict did deserve a stiff penalty albeit that he pleaded guilty and that he is first offender. Rep -vs- Adamson Sanjika and Another Conf. Case No. 298 of 1997.
The Sanjika case has set down the starting point of sentence for the offence of Armed Robbery. It is ten years and enhanced or reduced depending on aggravating or mitigating factors. There were no serious mitigating factors in this case apart from the fact that the defendant pleaded guilty and that he is a first offender. For the offence of Armed Robbery these are not serious mitigating factors that would entail reduction of sentence.
Actually, the fact that the victims of the Armed Robbery were injured should be cause for the court to enhance the sentence that was imposed on the defendant. It is also noted that more than one person was involved in the Armed Robbery. For the reasons given above the sentence of 6 years is grossly inadequate and it ought to be enhanced. It is enhanced to 14 years. The convict will now be required to serve a custodial term of imprisonment of 14 years. It so ordered.
Pronounced in open Court this 11th day of April 2003 at the Principal Registry, Blantyre.
F.E. Kapanda
JUDGE