The Ulongwe Magistrate Court in Balaka has sentenced Anack James to 18 months in prison after finding him guilty of defrauding people by falsely promising them loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
The court heard that James swindled a total of MK140,000 from a group of seven people, each of whom paid MK20,000 as a deposit, believing they would receive loans from NEEF.
James allegedly instructed the group, who are from Chigwenembe Village, to send the money to an “agent,” which raised suspicions among the victims. After learning of the scam, some of the victims reported the matter to the police, leading to James’ arrest.
However, Second Grade Magistrate Peter Nkuzi, sentenced James to 18 months in prison, emphasizing that the sentence should serve as a warning to others engaged in or planning similar fraudulent activities.
Anack James hails from Chikanda Village in Zomba District.
