Woman fined K800,000 for possession of cannabis sativa without a licence

The Second Grade Magistrate Court in Mzimba has fined Grena Saka K800,000 for being found in possession of cannabis sativa weighing 34 kgs without a licence in the district.

The Court held on February 13, 2025, through the state prosecutor, Inspector Goodwill Binali, that Grena Saka, during the night of February 12 to 13, 2025, at around 23:00 hours, were spotted by the community member at the travelling depot of Jenda to Mzimba with sack bags.

The same well-wisher tipped off the Jenda Police officers who were on duty on the said date that the said woman had bags of cannabis sativa.

Later on, Police officers immediately followed up on the tip and arrested the woman.

Appearing before the magistrate court, the accused person pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against her, however she asked the court for leniency, stating that she is a breadwinner of a family and looks after children who are orphans, she is elderly in their family and also, she is the first offender who voluntarily pleaded guilty.

In submission, Inspector Goodwill Binali asked the court for stiffer punishment, citing that the court should give a custodial sentence since the offence is serious and she could have benefited after the Business was done and as a way of deterring other offenders.

In passing sentence, Second Grade Magistrate Wongani Kumwenda fined K800,000 to Grena Saka for being found in possession of cannabis sativa without a licence.

Grena Saka hails from Daudi Ndhlovu village, Traditional Authority Mzukuzuku, Mzimba district.