The Salima senior resident magistrate court has today (25th of February,2021) convicted and fined Christopher Chibwe 38, and Austin Chiyamwaka 32, to pay K500,000 and K300,000 respectively or serve a 20 month jail term in default for transporting forest produce( charcoal).
The court has also ordered their ten tonner vehicle forfeited to Malawi government as a deterrent to those aligned to committing such offences.
The court through state prosecutor sergeant Edward Wala, heard that the two were arrested on night of February 17, 2021 at Kamzimbe trading centre when police intercepted their vehicle which was loaded with bags of charcoal.
Both Salima District Forestry Officer; Adam Jason and Police Publist; Jacob Khembo have confirmed the development.