The Mkukula Magistrate Court in Lilongwe has fined three people for selling counterfeit maize seeds, which is contrary to section 388 subsection (e) of the Penal Code.
The conmen, who include Simeon Chatere, 36, Rodwell Saka, 36, and George Bwanali, 48, were found in possession and selling seeds totalling 400 kilogrammes bearing Seed Co and Mosanto trademarks.
Kanengo Police Station public relations officer Alfred Chimthere said the convicts were using unfit maize seed and dubious chemicals to manufacture fake products after which they would pack it in discarded original plastic bags belonging to bonafide seed companies in order to swindle unsuspecting farmers.
Said Chimthere: “The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Kanengo Police Station busted the syndicate after patrolling the surrounding markets.”
He said this is coming barely a week after the court sentenced Mackson Mahenge to pay a fine of MK50 000 or in default serve a nine months jail term for committing a similar offence.
The same court also also sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour (IHL), Solani Nyirenda, 36, Chikumbutso Banda, 29, Mike Kamwendo, 27, and Kiliyoni Banda, 35, since they had another charge of theft by servant in relation to counterfeiting.
Meanwhile, the Police are advising the general public especially after the rains are here, to buy original seeds from recommended outlets to avoid being duped.
