The Third Grade Magistrate’s court in Nkhata Bay District has sentenced a 44-year old man to 3 years imprisonment with hard labor for illegal possession of riffle (man-made pistol) at Kawalazi tea estate in the district.

The court heard through state prosecutor Sub Inspector Andrew Singini that the suspect, Shadreck Mwenye Longwe was found in a prohibited area by police officers who were patrolling within the estate on the morning of March 13, 2022.

He upon being searched was found with the aforesaid riffle without authorizing documents.

The suspect was eventually arrested and charged with illegal possession of a rifle.

Longwe hails from Mumakwenda Village, Traditional Authority Kubunduli in Nkhata Bay District.