Monkey-Bay First Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and sentenced John Mchekeni 26, to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for trafficking in persons offence which contravenes Section 14 of the Trafficking in Persons Act.
The court heard through State prosecutor, Sub Inspector John Pwitika, that on April 14, 2022, Monkey-Bay Police officers were assigned to man Mtakataka Turn-off Road Block. In the course of their work at around 10 pm, John Mchekeni driving a motor vehicle registration number BZ6862 arrived from Mangochi’s direction to Golomoti. In course of the search, they discovered five boys aged between 18 and 22 years who were being trafficked to South Africa.
“Mchekeni had no proper travelling documents the issue was taken to Monkey-Bay Police Station for further investigation. In court he pleaded not guilty which prompted the State to parade four witnesses who proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Sergeant Alice Sichali, publicist for Monkey-Bay Police Station.
In submission, Pwitika told the court that these cases are rampant across the country and when the youth are taken outside the country others lose their lives on the way while others face various forms of exploitation hence the need for stiffer punishment to act as a deterrent to would-be offenders.
In mitigation, Mchekeni pleaded for leniency saying he cares for his sick mother and he is a breadwinner for his family.
First Grade Magistrate, Mtunduwatha Mpasu, concurred with the State’s submission and slapped the convict with 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.
Mchekeni comes from Chikolore Village, Traditional Authority Kachindamoto in Dedza District.