Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s (FGM) Court on Friday June 25, 2021, ordered Jacob Banda, 36, to pay a fine of K250,000 for failing to comply with conditions of the licence contrary to section 8(b) of Agriculture General Purposes Act.
The Court heard through Mangochi Police Prosecutor Sub Inspector Emmanuel Kambwiri that on the evening of June 24, 2021, the accused who was driving a Hino lorry registration number BR8373 was intercepted at M’baluku roadblock carrying 169 bags of beans from the direction of Namwera heading Mangochi boma.
The officers impounded the motor vehicle after they discovered that the businessman bought the beans from Katuli which is a violation to the conditions of his licence which only allows him to buy crops in Mzimba district.
Appearing in court, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge.
In mitigation the accused person asked for court’s leniency stating that he opted to buy the beans in Katuli because of its availability than in Mzimba. However, the state quashed his plea factors arguing that Banda violated the conditions of his licence at hand, and needed to face punishment.
Passing sentence, FGM Mtunduwatha Mpasu concurred with the state hence ordered him to pay K250,000 fine in default 6 months imprisonment with hard labour to serve as a lesson to him and other businessmen.
In the meantime, the accused person has paid the fine.
Banda hails from Malili village traditional authority Malili in Lilongwe.
Sub lnspector Amina Tepani Daudi
PRO-Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999 706 525
Email:mamateps1152@gmail.com