by Wongani Chipeta
The Nkhota-kota First Grade Magistrate (FGM) Court on Friday, September 25, 2020 ordered a woman to pay a fine of K220, 000 or in default serve a 3-year jail sentence for being found in possession of cannabis sativa.
According to the report to Avant publications the convict, identified as Mirriam Dickson, was found in possession of 60 kilograms of cannabis sativa.
Sub Inspector-Williams Kajoloweka Kaponda (PRO) for
Nkhotakota Police Station told Avant publications in an interview that the convict was arrested at Kandere Village in the district, along the Salima-Nkhotakota M5 Road on Monday September 21, 2020 by traffic police officers who were on routine traffic checks.
In her mitigation, the convict pleaded for leniency saying she is a bread winner and first offender.
However, state prosecutor Temwa Chinkhwamba prayed for a stiff penalty saying such cases are rampant and need serious courts’ intervention in giving stiffer punishments.
He further enlightened the drug trafficker that there are many legal businesses than indulging in illicit drug practices.”
When passing judgement, First Grade Magistrate Fred Juma Chilowetsa agreed with the state.
He said: ” You should have given a second thought of your family’s responsibility before indulging in this crime.”
Mirriam has since paid the fine after selling some goats at home.
She hails from Mgomba Village in the area of Traditional Authority Msamala in Balaka District.
Sub inspector Kaponda also indicated to Avant publications that though the woman said it was her fine time most women who are being caught in this illegal business are from Balaka and Ntcheu Districts.
Meanwhile, Avant publications engaged the PRO to provide details so that she is given the money raised by the well wishers and that she has to be counseled. The Sub Inspector commended Avant publications for such an effort.
www.avantmalawi.com🇲🇼
.