First Grade Magistrate Lameck Mkwapatila has convicted and sentenced a 35 year old Mafano Mawelenga to a fine of K50,000 or in default, serve a one year jail term, for wounding a security guard at Petroda Filling Station in Limbe.

State Prosecutor Sergeant Matthews Jumbe told the court that on 27th October, 2024 at around 08:00 hours a fuel tanker arrived at Petroda filling station which is adjacent to Limbe Police Station.

As motorists queued to buy the commodity, the convict together with his friends tried to force themselves to the front so that they get served first.

Upon seeing this, the security guard confronted Mawelenga so as to maintain order.

This did not please Mawelenga who used an axe to attack the security guard’s right hand.

The convict was immediately apprehended with the help of other security guards and was taken to Limbe Police station where he was charged with unlawful wounding contrary to section 241 of the Penal code.

In his court submissions, State Prosecutor Jumbe prayed for a stiffer punishment as deterrent to other would be offenders.

However, Mawelenga asked for leniency citing that he looks after his aging mother.

Mafano Mawelenga hails from Tonya village, Traditional Authority Mkanda in Mulanje District.