The First Grade Magistrate court in Dowa has convicted and sentenced a 27-year old man to three years imprisonment with hard labour or in default pay MK300,000 for being found in possession of cannabis sativa.
Public Relations Officer for Dowa Police Station, Sergeant Alice Sitima has identified the convict as Sayed Mayendayenda.
The court heard through the state Prosecutor Superintendent Fanny Chimbaya, that Mayendayenda, committed the offence on August 09, 2023.
Presenting the facts in court, Chimbaya said Mayendayenda was seen loitering around Dowa market carrying two bags on a bicycle.
People at the market suspicious and reported the matter to Dowa Police who arrested him.
Later, the cannabis sativa was taken to Chitedze research station for examination where it was confirmed to be cannabis weighing 7.25 kilograms.
In court, Mayendayenda pleaded guilty for been found in possession of cannabis sativa.
In her submission, the state through Chimbaya prayed for a stiffer punishment saying that what the accused did is becoming rampant among the youths and deserved a custodial sentence.
In mitigation, Mayendayenda pleaded with the court for leniency, saying that he is the first offender and he takes care of his parents.
Passing his sentence, First Grade Magistrate Robert Botha, concurred with the state and slapped Mayendayenda with MK300,000 fine or in default to serve three years imprisonment with hard labour to deter other would-be offenders, and has finally paid the fine.
Sayed Mayendayenda hails from Sasani village, Traditional Authority Malengachanzi in Nkhotakota district.
