Joyce Banda Fondation v New Building Society (475 of 2003) [2003] MWHC 98 (1 September 2003)

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 Date of order : 11th April 2003 : 11th April 2003 _____________________________________________________ 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