Kasungu First Grade Magistrate has sentenced two people to pay a fine of K 500,000 and K 400,000 respectively or in default serve 15 months imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for trafficking charcoal without permission.

The two are Lovemore Njolomole and Jacqueline Malipa.

According to Kasungu Police Deputy Public Relations Officer (DPRO), Sergeant Yohane Tasowana, the court heard through State Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent, Vickness Chinseu, that on February 8, 2021, the two were found in possession of 39 bags of charcoal at Chimaliro Forest in the district.

“Assistant superintendent Chinseu told the court that the two were intercepted at Chimaliro forest roadblock while carrying the 39 bags of charcoal in a three tonner motor vehicle van registration number BU1856 belonging to Siku transport company,” he said.