A Magistrate court in Mponela, Dowa yesterday sent to jail a 33-year-old man, for one year for aiding entry of 29 illegal immigrants into the country.

State prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent Gladys Jentala told the court that Charles Banda Chirwa on November 24, 2020, bolted after his lorry which ferried 29 Ethiopians, who illegally entered Malawi through Karonga, was impounded at Mponela Trading Centre by a special team from the National Police Headquarters and officers from Mponela police station.

On 4th April, Chirwa handed himself to Embangweni Police Unit in Mzimba for being responsible and was transferred to Mponela police station for prosecution.

First Grade Magistrate Anthony Banda hopes the one year sentence is stiff enough to deter other would be offenders.

Chirwa hails from Ngolokoto Village, T/A Wimbe in Kasungu.