The first grade magistrate’s court in Neno district has sentenced Steven Sohaya to pay a fine of k350,000 or serve twelve months in prison for possession of firearms without valid documents.

According to the prosecutors, Sohaya was caught in the early hours of November 1st while stealing green tea from the garden of King Chakumelba and he had a Muzzleloader gun at the time.

When Sohaya appeared in court, she pleaded guilty to the crime and asked the court to give her a lesser sentence because her family is dependent on her.

But the prosecutors asked the court to impose a severe punishment so that others can learn from it.

In giving a verdict, the court said that Sohaya must pay a fine of k350,000 or be imprisoned for twelve months.

Steven Sohaya is 52 years old, and he comes from the village of Chakulebu Mfumo oko Dambe in Neno district.