Man fined K100,000 for cheating Airtel money agent

The Karonga First Grade Magistrate’s court has convicted and sentenced 18-year-old Zondani Nkhana to pay K100, 000 fine for cheating which is contrary to Section 321 of the Penal code.

The court through state prosecutor Sergeant Yamikani Rajab, heard that on May 6, 2021, at Karonga town, Nkhana knowing that he had no money,  cheated Gift Kumwenda, an Airtel money agent to send K80,000 to Ruth Joseph through Airtel number +265 997987160.

Soon after sending the money, it was withdrawn and the phone was switched off.

“Your worship, cases of cheating are becoming rampant in Karonga district and in such cases the stolen money are not recovered,” said Rajab

The prosecutor then prayed to the court to impose a meaningful sentence to Nkhana in order to deter the would-be offenders.

In mitigation, Nkhana asked the court to forgive him claiming he is still young and lives with his parents.

In his sentence, First Grade Magistrate Julius Kalambo said that although Nkhana is young and a first offender  he planned to cheat and steal the money from the agent.

He said the stolen money was not recovered, thereby incuring a total loss to the victim.

Kalambo then ordered Nkhana to pay K100,000 fine as a compensation to the victim.

Nkhana hails from Zulani village in the area of Traditional Authority Mtwalo in Mzimba district.