The First Grade Magistrate Court in Mchinji has fined four Zambian nationals K3.5 million each or, in default, serve a four-year jail term for smuggling fuel out of Malawi.

A Zambian woman, who was also convicted, had her one-year sentence suspended for two years.

Police prosecutors Helix Kamkweche and Yotamu Chaonaine told the court that the five were arrested at the Mchinji Border TotalEnergies Filling Station with 840 litres of fuel packed in 42 jerry cans. They were attempting to smuggle the fuel into Zambia using unchartered routes with the help of a Malawian driver, 32-year-old Fanuel Noah.

The convicts pleaded guilty and requested bail as first-time offenders, but the court denied their request. The prosecution urged the court to impose stiffer penalties, arguing that fuel smuggling contributes to shortages in Malawi.

Magistrate Fred Juma agreed with the state and handed down the sentences.

It has been noted that in past three weeeks there have been reports circulating in Zambia saying Malawi has cheap fuel as compared to them.

The convicted individuals are Isaac Mwanza (30), Noah Mbewe (49), Aston Mvula (41), Philemon Mvula (35), and Agatha Banda (28).