Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has on Thursday, July 22, 2021, convicted Mark Mbewe, 37, a smallholder farmer from Kasungu, and forfeited his 400 bags of maize which have since been donated to the Malawi Government.
State prosecutor, Sub Inspector Emmanuel Kambwiri told the court that on July 18, 2021, Mbewe who carried 400 bags of maize on Scania truck registration number MH8667 was intercepted along uncharted routes to Mozambique by officers at Katuli border.
“The truck was impounded because it was exporting farm produce outside the country without a permit,” said Kambwiri.
Appearing in court, the accused person pleaded guilty to the charge leveled against him.
In his submission, the Mbewe asked the court for leniency, saying he is a breadwinner to his family, but the state prayed for a stiffer penalty while reminding the court that the trader defied conditions set by the government which is supposed to be abided by every trader.
Delivering his ruling, Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe expressed his concern over the convict’s conduct.
He, therefore, ordered that all the 400 bags should be given to Malawi Government.
The maize was offloaded and handed over to the Mangochi Hospital administration in the presence of the court and police representatives.
Mbewe hails from Kaning’a Village, Traditional Authority Mwase in Kasungu.
