The Nsanje Third Grade Magistrate’s Court has fined Joseph Liva, 47, K100 000 (US$248) or in default to serve a one-year jail term for being found in possession of forestry products without permit. Liva was on February 22 2014 found in possession of indigenous timber worth K374 000 (US$928) without a permit. He was caught by the district forestry staff offloading the timber from a tractor at his furniture shop around 10 pm. In his ruling, magistrate George Chombo faulted the convict, saying he was supposed to obtain a permit from authorities before acquiring the timber. Liva, who has since paid the fine, comes from Nthukuso Village in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Malemia in Nsanje.— Martin Chiwanda, Malawi News Agency
