Mchinji First Grade Magistrate Court Convicts Four For Illegal Tobacco Trade

By Given Chichitike

Mchinji First Grade Magistrate Court on Monday 18^th March charged four people to pay fines or serve imprisonment with hard labour after being found buying tobacco from farmers without licenses or permits which is contrary to section 10 subsection 1 as read with section 35 of tobacco marketing. 

According to Mchinji Police Spokesperson Sergeant Moses Kajawa Nyirenda, state prosecutors told the court that the four were found on 16^th March buying burley tobacco from farmers in different places around Mchinji.

Sergeant Nyirenda said the four include Mr. Kamange Jailosi, 28, who was found illegally buying tobacco at Matimba village and by 16^th March he had 1800 kilograms of tobacco which is equivalent to 18 bails.

Passing the judgment, First Grade Magistrate Rodwell Major directed Mr. Jailosi to pay a fine of MK18000 or serve nine months imprisonment with hard labour.

On the same day, the Mchinji First Grade Magistrate Court charged Mr. Vincent Salatiele, 29, and Mr. Frank Dismas, 25, for being found buying tobacco illegally at Chipumi Trading Centre. The two were to serve one year imprisonment with hard labour or pay the fine 0f MK20 000.

The court also charged Mr. Joseph Galimoto, 34, who was found with 292 kilograms of tobacco at Chipumi Trading Centre to pay a fine of MK 3000 or serve three months imprisonment with hard labour.

Mr. Kamange Jailosi hails from Jamu village Traditional Authority Simphasi, Mr. Joseph Galimoto hails from Muula village sub traditional Authority Kapondo while Mr. Vincent Salatiele hails from chilinda village Traditional Authority Kayembe and Mr. Frank Disimas is from Chipumisubtraditional Authority kapondo in Mchinji district.