Couple Jailed over Forest Produce
The Principal Resdent Magistrate’s court in Mzuzu has convicted and sentenced Chimwemwe Munthali 47, and Atimeyo Mayuni 39, to 30 months imprisonment with hard labour for being found in possession of forest produce and trafficking forest produce without licence/ permit.
The court through police prosecutor Assistant Superintendent Vickness Simwinga, heard that on March 23, 2023 Munthali, first convict was found in possession as well as trafficking 50 logs /round wood of pine trees without licence or permit at Kadikeshi along Lilongwe Mzuzu M1 road.
On the other hand, on March 21, 2023 Mayuni, second convict who is Munthali’s wife was found in possession of 65 logs/round wood of pine trees without licence or permit at area 1B location within Mzuzu City .
Appearing before court the two pleaded guilty to the charges levelled against them.
In her submission, prosecutor Simwinga reminded the court that, such ecological degradation has negative effects on economic development of the country, thereby the convicts should be given a custodial sentence to deter the would be offenders.
Passing sentence, Magistrate Clemence Chamwenda concurred with the state’s submission and sentenced the convicts to 30 months imprisonment with hard labour.
Munthali hails from Kamukwamba Village, Traditional Authority Jalavikuwa in Mzimba District while Mayuni hails from Chiwerekete Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe in Rumphi District.
