The Mkukula First Grade Magistrate’s Court on July 02, 2024 has convicted and sentenced a Lumbadzi-based mobile money agent, Moses George, 23, to a fine of 1.4 Million Kwacha in default to serve 2 years imprisonment with hard labor (IHL) for the offence of theft by servant.

The court heard through Lumbadzi Police Station’s Prosecutor, Superintendent Aufi Ali that in the month of May, 2023, George was given money amounting to 1.5 Million Kwacha by his employer (Alick Kachingwe) meant for Airtel money and TNM mpamba business capital.

Ali further told the court that in August,2023, the business owner realized that his employee misappropriated the money as he was left with 100 Thousand Kwacha only.

Appearing before court, the convict pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against him.

In mitigation, he prayed for leniency considering that he has lost his job and is a breadwinner.

In submission, Prosecutor Ali prayed for the stiffer punishment considering that no recovery of the money was made.

First Grade Magistrate Thomson Midias concurred with the state’s submission. He therefore, ordered the convict to pay a fine of 1.4 Million Kwacha failure of which, to serve a 2 year jail term in order to send a lesson to others. If paid, the whole amount will be given to the complainant.

George hails from Kalaliki Village, Traditional Authority Mlumbe in Zomba.