47 year old woman Triza Katukumala has paid K350, 000 fine for trafficking forest products without a license.

The Dowa First Grade Magistrate Court convicted and fined Katukumala K350,000 or in default serve 10 months imprisonment with hard labour.

The court through state prosecutor Sub-Inspector Ezara Bakili heard that the convict, Triza Katukumala, from Malikha village TA Mazengera in Lilongwe was found in possession of 200 bags of charcoal early this month in Kongwe Forest Reserve and police intercepted the vehicle she was using on her way to Lilongwe.

In his ruling, First Grade Magistrate Amran Phiri said the offence is serious and fined her K350 000.00 or in default serve 10 months imprisonment with hard labour.

The convict has since paid the fine.