17 fined for importing prohibited beer
Mchinji Second Grade Magistrate’s Court has fined 17 people K20 000 each or in default to serve three months imprisonment for smuggling prohibited liquor from Zambia.
Mchinji Police Station spokesperson Kaitano Lubrino said Ackimu Sailesi, 19, Florence Chikuti, 20, James Jonson, 20, Collins Kagwam’minga, 23, Boniface Tchezani, 24, Samuel Kalemeli, 25, Gilibeta Phiri, 28, Jimmy Banda, 38, Christopher Banda, 30, Demson Delekashi, 29, Mphatso Moya, 31, Raphael Chimango, 36, Guguwei Phiri, 37, Malekano Julavi, 37, Henry Zuze, 38, Matiasi Magoa, 38, and Lorent Goliati were arrested on March 10 2019 at a police checkpoint at Chimwala near Mwami Border.
He said the convicts were found with over 70 containers full of Zambian brew commonly known as Mafuta Beer.
The convicts appeared in court where they pleaded guilty to a charge of being found in possession of prohibited opaque beer without a licence contrary to Section 72 of the Liquor Act.
Passing the sentence, second grade magistrate Governor Chiipanthenga said such smuggling practices have the potential to kill national development as a result of tax evasion. The convicts, who come from traditional authorities Zulu and Mlonyeni in the district, have since paid the fines
