A 52-year-old man from Thyolo will spend the next 15 months in prison after failing to pay a K150,000 fine for stealing cassava, in what authorities say reflects a growing trend of farm thefts in the district.
The Thyolo Second Grade Magistrate Court on Saturday convicted George Magaisa of Kajawo Village, Traditional Authority Chimaliro, after he admitted to stealing cassava valued at K150,000 from a local farmer.
State Prosecutor Sergeant Mphatso Kawanda told the court that Magaisa was caught red-handed on July 23, 2025, when community members intercepted him leaving Mkawera Village with a sack of cassava.
“Mr. George Mkumba and his wife were heading to their farm around 3:00 a.m. when they found Magaisa on the path to Goliati Market carrying the stolen produce,” said Kawanda. “When questioned, he tried to run but was overpowered by villagers.”
Despite pleading guilty and asking for mercy, the state pushed for a tough sentence, arguing that theft of farm produce undermines farmers’ livelihoods and food security.
Second Grade Magistrate Sikweya agreed, imposing a K150,000 fine or, in default, 15 months of imprisonment with hard labour. Magaisa failed to raise the fine and was immediately taken to prison.
Local leaders have since warned that farm thefts are crippling rural communities, calling for stronger measures to protect farmers from such crimes.
