Eunice Longwe from Nkhata Bay, has been sentenced to 36 months in prison for failing to secure a plot for her workmate at Chintheche Rural Hospital after pocketing K1 million.

This decision was made by the Second Grade Magistrate Court in Nkhata Bay, where Longwe faced charges of fraud other than false pretence, contrary to Section 319 A (a) of the Penal Code.

Second Grade Magistrate Alex Mailosi emphasized that such fraudulent cases are becoming more common and stated that both men and women are now committing these offenses.

Despite Longwe’s guilty plea, which saved the court’s time, Mailosi decided against a suspended sentence to prevent similar deceptions in the community.

Police prosecutor Tchaka Moyo explained that Longwe initially received K30,000 from the complainant, her workmate, for the purchase of a plot.

After receiving the remaining K970,000, Longwe absconded. The complainant, who initially sought to resolve the matter privately, reported it to the court when Longwe went missing.

Moyo urged the court to impose a severe sentence, highlighting the seriousness of the offense, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years.

Source: National Publication Limited