Neno Magistrate Court has sentenced 52-year-old to pay a fine of K350,000 or face a one-year jail term after he was found guilty of possessing an unlicensed firearm.

Neno Police spokesperson Constable Rebecca Msoliza, has identified the convict as Steve Sohaya  who was arrested on November 1 this year, after being caught stealing sweet potatoes from the garden of Group Village Head Chakulembera while holding the firearm.

Appearing before the court, Sohaya admitted to the charges and pleaded for leniency, stating it was his first offense.

However, the state, represented by Sub Inspector Boko, argued that a stiff penalty was necessary to serve as a deterrent to others.

Magistrate Margret Khobiri agreed with the prosecution, ruling that Sohaya must pay the K350,000 fine or serve a one-year prison sentence in the absence of payment.

Steven Sohaya  hails from  Chakulembera Village under Traditional Authority Dambe in Neno District.