Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 8, 2021, convicted and ordered Five women and a male to pay a fine of K1,550,000 for damaging and soiling Malawi Kwacha banknotes contrary to section 54(2)(c) of the Reserve bank of Malawi act.
During court proceedings, Eastern Region Prosecution In-charge, Superintendent Josophine Chigawa in connection with Counsel Zumbe Kumwenda of RBM told the court that, on the afternoon of October 18, 2020, the first accused Annie Sauzika, 35, hosted a business top up at Changamire Residence within Mangochi township where other accused persons attended.
In course of celebrating, the accused persons were spotted in the video clip which went viral on social media splashing and soiling the currency while dancing.
Appearing in court, all the accused persons pleaded guilty to the charge leveled against them.
In mitigation, all the accused persons pleaded for court’s leniency but the state prayed for a stiffer penalty saying that it’s high time citizens should respect and obey the laws.
Passing judgement, Senior Resident Magistrate Joshua Nkhono concurred with the state and ordered the Director of Ceremony Hanna Perekamoyo and the owner of the event Annie Sauzika to pay K325,000 each.
Nkhono also ordered Kulaiti Daudi to pay K300,000, Rehema Osman K250,000, Eliza Million K200,000 and Juma Machakwani K100,000 respectively.
All the convicts have since paid the fine.
Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Deputy PRO-Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999 706 525
Email:mamateps1152@gmail.com