The Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s Court on March 1, 2023 convicted and sentenced four men to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment with hard labour each for being found in possession of forest produce without licence contrary to Sections 64(1)(a) and 68(a) of Forest Act respectively.
The court through state prosecutor Sub Inspector Shadreck Wisiki heard that a team from Forest Department led by Forestry Assistant Madalitso Kung’ombo on February 15, 2023 while patrolling around Namizimu Forest found Geofrey Majidu, 24, and four others cutting down trees and burning charcoal in the protected area without permit.
State prosecutor Sub Inspector Prosecutor Wisiki added that the matter was reported to Malamia PMS Camp who rushed to the scene and arrested them.
Appearing before court, all convicts pleaded not guilty to the charges prompting the state to parade three witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt and were convicted accordingly.
In mitigation, they all asked for court’s leniency, saying they have family obligations.
In his submission, state prosecutor Sub Inspector prosecutor Wisiki reminded the court that the convicts’ wanton behaviour are some of the contributing factors to the nation’s climate change hence prayed for custodial penalties.
Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Roy Kakutu concurred with the state hence sentenced each of them to 3 years and 6 months mprisonment with hard labour as a deterrent to other would be offenders.
All convicts hail from Traditional Authority Chowe in Mangochi District.
Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
PRO- Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
Email:amina.tepani@police.gov.mw
Website:www.police.gov.mw