Lilongwe Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Foster Benjamin, announced that suspects that were apprehended for looting during last year’s demonstrations, have been sentenced to three years in prison.

The five convicted men, Hopeson Kankhulungo, 21, and Justin Kamuloni, 24, Matiasi Donald, aged 52, Henry Kazembe, 24, and John Banda, 27, are said to have left the demonstrators group and went to loot various shops according to State prosecutor, John Kamphani.

The 5 denied the charge before the court but were found guilty as charged. “The State prayed to the court to mete out harsh sentences to the five accused arguing some of the items were not recovered; hence, a loss of business to the owners,” said Lilongwe Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Foster Benjamin.

On the other hand, the business sector in Malawi has decried loss and destruction of property during the nationwide demonstrations organized by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC)