A magistrate in Dowa, yesterday fined four vendors and two other people K80,000 each and K50,000 each respectively for contravening farm-gate price regulations.

State Prosecutor, Christopher Daluni, said the convicts Semu Tiyumbenawo, 49, Khefasi William, 21, Champion Samson, 27, Isaac Chisanga, 28, Andrew Nyirenda, 46 and Samuel Thokozani Stafuel, 26, were buying produce below set prices and without licence.

All the six pleaded guilty to the charges.

First Grade Magistrate, Amran Phiri, hopes the fines, which have all been paid, will deter would-be offenders.

The same court, also yesterday, fined  five  people and two others K5,000 each and K50, 000 each respectively for failing to comply with Covid-19 rules and regulations.

State Prosecutor, Agnes Mphinga, said the five failed to wear face masks while the other two operated business outside permitted hours. They have paid all the fines.