Mzuzu First Grade Magistrate’s court has convicted and ordered four liquor shop operators to pay a fine of MK 80,000.00 each for breaching liquor Act.
State Prosecutor sub-Inspector Samiton Juziwel told the court that John Gonekeni 34, Alick Wested 31, Noel Stepano 30 and Mayamiko Mtumbuka were caught selling liquor without licence on May 10, 2024.
On the said date Mzuzu police in conjuction with Delta Division were conducting an intelligence driven patrol exercise which led to the arrest of 12 individuals on various offences including the four.
Appearing before court the suspects pleaded guilty to the charges levelled against them.
In his submission the state prosecutor Juzwel prayed for a stiffer punishment stating that offences of this nature are on the rise in Mzuzu leading to the insanity state of the city and making it difficult for security personnel to work proffessionally.
Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Patrick Mwamale concurred with the state saying such areas harbour criminals that terrorize the city.
The magistrate therefore ordered the four convicts to pay K80, 000. 00 fine each and in default to serve one year imprisonment with hard labour.
All the convicts have managed to pay the fines.
