Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s Court on yesterday ordered Boyidi Mkandawire, 64, to pay a fine of K700,000 for contravening Sections 14 (1) and 42 (1) (b) of Fisheries Conservation and Management Act.
During court proceedings, Mangochi Police Station Prosecution Officer Assistant Superintendent Davie Banda told the court that on April 29, 2021 Msaka Fisheries team was patrolling, monitoring and controlling fishing activities along the shallow waters of the Lake Malawi.
In course of duty, the team intercepted the accused whilst fishing in the prohibited area using under meshed gear and without a license.
Banda added that, the team confiscated the fishing equipment and reported the matter to the Police.
Appearing in court, the accused pleaded guilty to the charges leveled against him.
In mitigation, the convict asked for the court’s leniency, saying he is old and also a breadwinner to his family, but prosecutor Banda asked the court for a stiffer penalty.
First Grade Magistrate Mtunduwatha Mpasu concurred with the state for a stiff penalty and he therefore ordered him to pay a fine of K350,000 for fishing using unlawful method and another K350,000 for fishing in the waters without licence.
Meanwhile, the accused has paid half of the money and has been given a period of a month to pay the balance.
Boyidi Mkandawire hails from Kondowe Village, Traditional Authority Mwasiska in Nkhata-bay.