A 44-year-old woman, Catherine Silvester, has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Dedza First Grade Magistrate's Court in Malawi after setting her brother's house on fire while he slept inside.

 

The severe judgment follows a heated family clash over harvested bamboo that escalated into arson and severe physical harm.

 

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### Midnight Arson Over Bamboo

 

According to State Prosecutor Sergeant Martha Chingwalungwalu, the feud started when the victim harvested bamboo from Silvester’s garden without her consent.

 

Later that evening, after Silvester's son had already confronted the victim over the issue, Silvester marched to her brother's residence in Kamgulitse Village, Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza.

 

After shouting at him, she gathered dry grass, ignited it, and set the house ablaze while her brother was sleeping inside.

 

The victim suffered burn injuries during the inferno but managed to escape before reporting the attack to the Dedza Police Station, leading to Silvester’s prompt arrest.

 

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### Guilty Plea and Plea for Leniency Rejected

 

Appearing before Magistrate Anthony Banda, Silvester pleaded guilty to charges of **acts intended to cause grievous harm**, as confirmed by Dedza Police publicist Beatrice Jefita.

 

During mitigation, the convict pleaded for mercy and a light sentence, telling the court that she is the primary caregiver for her children and her disabled husband.

 

However, the prosecution strongly pushed back, arguing that:

 

* **Premeditated Violence:** The crime was intentionally committed late at night while the victim was helpless and asleep.

* **Family Betrayal:** The assault involved close blood relatives, aggravating the severity of the offense.

 

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### Deterrent Sentence Issued

 

Concurring with the prosecution, Magistrate Banda ruled that the life-threatening attack was entirely avoidable. He emphasized that the court had a responsibility to pass down a harsh sentence to deter members of the public from resorting to extreme violence during domestic disputes.

 

Magistrate Banda subsequently handed Silvester a **14-year prison sentence with hard labour**.