Mangochi First Grade Magistrates Court on Friday, June 25, 2021, ordered Jacob Banda, 36, to pay a fine of K250, 000 for failing to comply with conditions of the license contrary to section 8(b) of Agriculture General Purposes Act.
The Court heard through Mangochi Police Prosecutor, Sub Inspector Emmanuel Kambwiri that on the evening of June 24, 2021, the accused who was driving a Hino lorry registration number BR8373 was intercepted at M’baluku roadblock carrying 169 bags of beans from the direction of Namwera heading Mangochi Boma.
According to Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, the officers impounded the motor vehicle after they discovered that the businessman bought the beans from Katuli which is a violation of the conditions of his license which only allows him to buy crops in the Mzimba district.
Appearing in court, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge.
In mitigation, the accused person asked for the court’s leniency stating that he opted to buy the beans in Katuli because of their availability than in Mzimba. However, the State quashed his plea arguing that Banda violated the conditions of his license at hand, and needed to face punishment.
Passing sentence, FGM Mtunduwatha Mpasu concurred with the State hence ordered him to pay K250, 000 fine in default 6 months imprisonment with hard labor to serve as a lesson to him and other businessmen.
In the meantime, the accused person has paid the fine.
Banda hails from Malili Village Traditional authority Malili in Lilongwe.
