By Saidi Winnes

Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s Court on Thursday,18 February,2021,convicted and ordered 17 men and two women to pay K10,000.00 fine each in default 30 days imprisonment with hard labour for failing to wear face mask in a public place.

Mangochi Police Prosecutor Sub Inspector Emmanuel Kambwiri told the court that, earlier that day Mangochi Police Station Officers were on COVID-19 preventive measures enforcement operation within the township.

In course of their duty,they arrested 17 men and 2 women who were found loitering around without face masks.

Appearing in court all the accused pleaded guilty to the charge.

In mitigation the accused persons who are all first offenders asked for court’s forgiveness but the state prayed for a stiff sentence saying it’s high time that people started observing the measures to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Passing sentence First Grade Magistrate Mtunduwatha Mpasu concurred with the state hence ordered each of them to pay K10,000.00 fine each in default 30 days imprisonment with hard labour

All the convicts have since paid the fine.