First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Mzuzu has sentenced 35 year old Zidane Mkandawire and 36 year old Praise Chingondo with K50,000 each or serve 9 months imprisonment with hard labour for selling liquor without licence, contrary to section 72(1)(a) of liquor Act.
The Court through Police Prosecutor, Sub Inspector Sam Juzwell heard that the convicts on August 22, 2023, were found selling liquor without licence at Mzuzu main market.
The Court further learnt that on the stated date at around 10:00hrs, the Police made the arrest aswell as recovery.
Appearing before court Mkandawire and Chingondo pleaded guilty.
In his submission, Police Prosecutor prayed for a stiffer punishment as such cases are now rampant in Mzuzu City and the liquor sold causes various body infections and to deter other would-be offenders.
In mitigation, the two asked the court for leniency stating that they are first offenders, and that the liquor business was supporting their respective families.
Passing the sentence, First Grade Magistrate George Makaika concurred with the state and fined Mkandawire and Chingondo with K50,000 or serve 9 months imprisonment with hard labour.
Zidane Mkandawire hails from Kanakulera, Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe in Rumphi while Praise Chingondo hails from Thawathu, Traditional Authority Kauma in Dedza.
