The Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and ordered Alfred Alli Malinga, 27, to pay a fine of K500,000 for being in possession of 550 litres of petrol without a valid permit.
The court, through Prosecutor Inspector Grace Mindozo, heard that Malinga was intercepted on the night of August 6, 2025, at Masuku Roadblock along the Bakili Muluzi Highway while driving a Toyota Sienta, registration number MHG 155, from Nselema towards Chiponde.
A search of the vehicle uncovered three drums and one jerrican containing liquid petroleum. Malinga was arrested on the spot after failing to produce documentation authorizing the possession or transportation of the fuel.
Investigations revealed that Malinga, an illegal fuel trader based at Chiponde Border, was transporting the fuel to Mozambique.
Appearing in court, Malinga pleaded guilty and asked for leniency, citing family obligations. However, Prosecutor Mindozo argued that illegal fuel possession hampers national development and poses serious risks to lives and property, urging the court to impose a stiff penalty.
Passing sentence First Grade Magistrate Roy Kakutu agreed with the prosecution, ordering Malinga to pay a fine of K500,000 or serve a 12-month prison term in default. The court further ordered that the confiscated fuel be forfeited to the Malawi Government.
Malinga has since paid the fine in full.
Malinga hails from Chiwuja village, Traditional Authority Kawinga in Machinga.
Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Public Relations Officer
Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
Email:amina.tepani@police.gov.mw
Website:www.police.gov.mw