The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has handed down a verdict, sentencing Pherenesah Chitekesa, aged 34 from Bonongwe village, Traditional Authority Phambala in Ntcheu District, to 3 years in prison, and Annie Chitsulo, aged 29, from Makawa Village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi District, to 2 and a half years in prison with hard labour for embezzling K7.1 million from their employer.
This decision was confirmed by Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, the Public Relations Officer at Mangochi Police Station.
Daudi explained that during the trial, conducted by prosecutor Inspector Shadreck Wisiki, evidence revealed that the convicts were employed as Airtel Money and Mpamba agents for Pick ‘n’ Pay Wholesale at Makawa Trading Center.
“On December 15th, 2023, the wholesale’s accountant conducted an audit and discovered a shortage of K5.4 million from Pherenesah Chitekesa kiosk, while the second convict misappropriated K1.7 million,” Daudi stated.
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Despite being given ample time to account for the missing funds, the duo failed to do so, prompting the owner to report the matter to the police, leading to their arrest.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty in court, but after the state presented three witnesses who proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt, the court ruled against them.
During mitigation, the convicts appealed for leniency, citing family obligations. However, Prosecutor Wisiki emphasized that their actions led to the liquidation of someone’s business due to dishonesty and selfishness, advocating for harsher sentences.
Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande agreed with the state, condemning the convicts’ behavior as a disgrace to womanhood. He noted that some employers prefer female workers for their perceived honesty, making their actions particularly egregious.
