The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has convicted and fined 35-year-old Mussah Saidi K1.6 million for possessing 650 litres of liquid petroleum (petrol) without a valid permit.
The court heard through prosecutor Inspector Maggie Chibulire that on November 25, 2025 a team of general duties officers conducting patrols within Mangochi Township received a tip-off from a well-wisher that the convict, who is an illegal fuel trader, was keeping drums of petrol at his house in Ntagaluka Village.
Acting on the information, the officers proceeded to Saidi’s house, where they found three drums containing a total of 650 litres of petrol loaded in a 2-ton Toyota Dyna within the compound, about to be transported to Makanjira.
Upon noticing police presence, Saidi fled the scene, prompting the officers to impound the motor vehicle and escort it to the station. He later surrendered himself to police.
Appearing in court, Saidi pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal possession of liquid petroleum. In mitigation, he asked for leniency, citing financial losses in his business and the responsibility of providing for his family.
However, Prosecutor Chibulire argued that the illegal possession of fuel hampers national development and poses serious risks to lives and property. She therefore requested a stiffer penalty to deter others.
In his ruling, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the prosecution and ordered Saidi to pay a fine of K1.6 million or, in default, serve a two-year custodial sentence. Additionally, the court ordered that the confiscated 650 litres of petrol be forfeited to the Malawi Government.
Saidi has since paid the fine in full.
He hails from Mauli Village, Traditional Authority Makanjira in Mangochi.
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