A 27-year-old man has been found guilty and sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with hard labour by Mzuzu Second Grade Magistrate Court for allegedly impersonating an immigration officer.

Mzuzu Police spokesperson Paul Tembo identified the convict as Lucius Banda who hails from Khwethemule village in the area of traditional authority Bvumbwe in Thyolo district.

The state prosecutor, Constable Charles Chilala told the court that the convict was on 14 May seen around Kadikechi area in Mzimba impersonating an immigration officer.

Following that, some people tipped the police about the news and an investigation that led to the arrest of the culprit was instituted.

Appearing before his Worship Fordwatch Nyamaza Mkandawire, Banda pleaded not guilty prompting the state to parade three witnesses who testified beyond reasonable doubts.

The state asked the court to hand Banda a stiff punishment saying that such cases have become rampant in the country thereby victimizing innocent people who in some cases get robbed off their money and properties.

Acting on that plea, His Worship Mkandawire sentenced Banda to 30 months imprisonment with hard labour to deter other would be offenders.