Karonga man jailed for injuring livestock

By Winkly Mwaulambo

The Karonga First Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and sentenced a 40-year-old man, Tey Mwanguku, to three years of imprisonment with hard labor for injuring a cow and a bull at Mwandenga Village in the district.

According to Karonga Police Public Relations Officer, Constable Margret Msiska, the court, on March 10, 2025, heard from state prosecutor Inspector Jennifer Chawinga that on March 3, 2025, the suspect was seen holding a blood-stained panga knife by the grandchildren of a local farmer.

The children, who were on their way to the khola to feed the animals, later found the cow and bull bleeding with severe knee injuries that left them unable to move.

The children reported the matter to their grandfather, who then informed Songwe Police.

Officers, along with veterinary experts, visited the scene and confirmed that the animals were incapacitated. This led to Mwanguku’s arrest on the same day.

Appearing in court, Mwanguku pleaded guilty, stating that he attacked the animals because they had been destroying his rice field. In mitigation, he pleaded for leniency.

However, prosecutor Chawinga pushed for a stiffer punishment, arguing that the offense was a felony with a maximum sentence of 14 years and that Mwanguku’s actions were premeditated.

She further noted that the victim, a 68-year-old farmer, suffered a financial loss as the cow was pregnant, and he was forced to sell the injured animals at a lower price.

Magistrate Julius Kalambo concurred with the state and sentenced Mwanguku to three years in prison without an option of a fine, citing Section 343 (2) of the Penal Code.

Mwanguku hails from Mwandenga Village, Traditional Authority Mwakaboko, in Karonga District.