Balaka First Grade Magistrate’s Court has ordered a 29-year-old man, Steve Manda, to pay K75,000 fine for personating a public officer contrary to Section 99 (B) of the Penal Code.

State prosecutor, Sub Inspector Liston Sabola told the court that on October 27 around 11:00 hours, Steve falsely represented himself as an ex-MDF and MASM officer, but he alleged to be currently working with Balaka district social welfare office.

He was using such institutions in order to gain favours from members of the general public by defrauding them.

He pleaded guilty to the charge before First Grade Magistrate Phillip Chibwana, a development that led to his conviction.

The prosecutor therefore asked the court for a stiff penalty as a deterrent factor to others of Steve’s character.

Magistrate Chibwana therefore fined him K75,000 or in default to serve 2 years jail term. He is yet to pay the fine.

Manda comes from Muwango Village, Traditional Authority Mwamlowe in Rumphi.