The Karonga First Grade Magistrate’s court has ordered an 18-year-old man to pay a fine of K100,000 for cheating an Airtel Money agent which is contrary to Section 321 of the Penal code.
According to Karonga Police Public Relations Officer Enock Livasoni, the man has been identified as Zondani Nkhana.
The court through state prosecutor Sergeant Yamikani Rajab, heard that on May 6, 2021 at Karonga town, Nkhana knowing that he had no money, went to an Airtel Money agent Gift Kumwenda, and told him to send K80,000 to Ruth Joseph through Airtel number +265 997987160.
Soon after sending, the money was withdrawn and the recipient’s phone number could not be reached.
“Your worship, cases of cheating are becoming rampant in Karonga district and in this case the stolen money was not recovered,” narrated Rajab.
The prosecutor prayed to the court to impose a stiffer sentence to Nkhana in order to caution would-be offenders.
In mitigation, Nkhana asked the court to forgive him claiming he is still young and lives with his parents.
However, passing his judgement, First Grade Magistrate Julius Kalambo said although Nkhana is young and a first offender he deserved a stiffer punishment to teach him a lesson.
He further said since the stolen money was not recovered, the victim suffered great loss.
Kalambo therefore ordered Nkhana to pay K100,000 fine as a compensation to the victim.
Nkhana hails from Zulani village in the area of Traditional Authority Mtwalo in Mzimba district.
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