The Dedza First Grade Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Catherine Silvester, 44, to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for setting fire to her brother’s house while he was sleeping, following a dispute over bamboo.
State Prosecutor Sergeant Martha Chingwalungwalu told the court that on 7 August 2026, the victim, Silvester’s brother, went to her garden and cut bamboo without her knowledge. Later, Silvester’s son confronted his uncle over cutting the bamboo without his mother’s permission. The victim did not respond and went home.
The dispute continued when Silvester went to her brother’s home and shouted at him over the matter. He again did not respond and went to sleep.
Chingwalungwalu said Silvester then took grass, set it on fire and torched her brother’s house while he was sleeping inside.
The victim sustained burn injuries. He reported the matter at Dedza Police Station, where he was issued with a medical report before Silvester was arrested.
Appearing before court, Silvester pleaded guilty to acts intended to cause grievous harm.
The prosecutor described the offence as serious and avoidable, noting that it involved blood relatives. She said the act was intentional because Silvester set the house on fire while her brother was sleeping.
In mitigation, Silvester said she cares for her children and her husband, who has a disability. She said she realised her action was wrong and asked for forgiveness from the court and her brother. She also pleaded for a lenient sentence.
First Grade Magistrate Anthony Banda agreed with the State that the offence was avoidable and warranted a strong sentence to deter others. He sentenced Silvester to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour.
Silvester hails from Kamgulitse Village, Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza, Dedza District.
