The Lilongwe Magistrate Court on Tuesday,May 11,2021 convicted and sentenced a 38 -year-old woman, Ireen Chisulo Majiga, to pay a K 50,000.00 fine for publication of false news likely to cause fear and alarm to the public , contrary to Section 60 (1) of the Penal code.
The court through state prosecutor ,Sub Inspector Humphreys Makhariha, heard that on March 15,2021 the accused published false voice note about a certain suspect who is on remand answering defilement case .
Makhaliha further told the court that in her voice note that went viral on social media,the woman claimed that the defiler had been released dubiously .
The Cyber crime unit investigated the matter and arrested Majiga.
Appearing before court, Majiga pleaded guity to the charge levelled against her .
In his submission , Makhaliha asked the court to impose a stiff sentence to Majiga,saying this tendency of false news publicity on social media is increasing and it brings unrest to the public.
Passing sentence,Chief Resident Magistrate Patrick Chirwa concurred with the state and ordered Majiga to pay a fine of K50,000.00 or in default to serve 1 month imprisonment with hard labour.
Meanwhile the suspect has paid the fine.
Majiga hails from Manase village , Traditional Authority (T/A) Chigaru in Blantyre District.
By Sergeant Mabvuto Phiri
Deputy Pro
Kawale police Station
Cell 0995873467
Email ; Mabvutophiri@gmail.com