First Grade Magistrate Court in Nkhotakota district, has convicted and sentenced 34-year-old, Steve Manda to two years imprisonment with hard labour for impersonating as Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officer.

According to police, on January 18 this year, the convict was demanding money and beer from people at Nkhotakota Trading Centre on the pretext that he has power to do so.

The convict was arrested after a tip off by some people at the trading centre who got suspicious of his acts.

At the police station, Manda voluntarily admitted to having victimised people and that he is not an MDF officer.

Appearing before court on Friday, Manda pleaded guilty to the charge of impersonating a public officer.

In his submission, State Prosecutor Inspector Thokozani Juzwell asked the court to pass a stiffer punishment to the convict to deter other would-be offenders of similar crimes noting that cases of impersonation are on the rise.

In mitigation, Manda asked for the court’s leniency stating he is the sole breadwinner for his family.

Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Felix Phaiya concurred with the state prosecutor and slapped Manda with two years jail term.

Manda comes from Muwanga Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Mwamlowe in Rumphi district.