Two Sentenced for Possessing Unlicensed Fuel Drums in Machinga
Published on June 27, 2025 at 10:26 AM by Edgar Naitha
Two individuals in Machinga District have been sentenced to pay a fine of K450,000 each or face 24 months in prison for possessing unlicensed fuel drums.
The Nyanyumbu Second Grade Magistrate’s Court convicted Sipiyodi Akutenga, 19, and Muhamad Kaponda, 35, after they failed to produce valid fuel certificates for the fuel in their possession.
Machinga District Police spokesperson, Sergeant Western Kansire, confirmed the development.
According to Kansire, on the night of June 20, 2025, police officers on duty in the Nayuchi area intercepted a Toyota Dyna, registration number MHG 5185, loaded with petrol and diesel at Mtalala Trading Centre.
The vehicle was found carrying 63 drums of 20 litres each and three large drums of 100 litres, all containing diesel.
Second Grade Magistrate John Kamphani, who presided over the case, ruled that the vehicle be handed over to Eni, while the seized fuel should be forfeited to the government.
He emphasized that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others engaging in illegal fuel trading.
