Man Fined K700,000 For Operating Illegal Clinic In Chikwawa
Published on June 10, 2026 at 10:35 AM by Evance Kapito
The Chikwawa First Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and fined a 30-year-old man, Francis Kagone, K700,000 for operating a clinic without a licence in the district.
According to Chikwawa Police prosecution officer Ernest Mangwena, police acted on a tip-off from members of the public on May 29, 2026, alleging that Kagone was running a clinic at Maperera Trading Centre.
Upon inspection, Kagone reportedly failed to produce a valid licence authorising him to operate the facility. Police also discovered assorted medical drugs at the clinic and subsequently arrested him.
Appearing before the court, Kagone pleaded guilty to contravening Section 17(1)(a) of the Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board Act.
During sentencing, Mangwena asked the court to impose a stiff punishment, arguing that unlicensed clinics pose a serious risk to public health and safety.
In mitigation, Kagone pleaded for leniency, citing his guilty plea and the fact that he was a first-time offender.
In her ruling, First Grade Magistrate Annie Chikhadzula fined Kagone K700,000 or, in default, 24 months imprisonment with hard labour. The court noted that his actions had the potential to endanger the lives and wellbeing of many people.
The magistrate also ordered that all medical drugs seized from the clinic be handed over to the Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board for disposal.
Kagone, who comes from Mafumbi Village under Traditional Authority Makhuwira in Chikwawa District, has since paid the fine.
