In a recent court ruling, two men, Chisomo Allan and Samuel Luka, were convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of K400,000 each or serve 13 months imprisonment with hard labour for possessing petroleum products without a licence. The sentencing took place at the First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Balaka District. According to Publicist for Balaka Police, Gladson M’bumpha, the two were arrested on Wednesday of the same week.
The court heard that Allan and Luka, who operate as illegal fuel vendors at Manica in the district, were found in possession of 103 litres of petroleum products without a licence. This is contrary to Section 42 of the Liquid and Gas Act. The arrest was made during a covert operation disguised as a routine sports session at the police station. The officers received a signal to act during the session and caught the fuel vendors off guard.
State Prosecutor Mercy Chande presented the case to the court, highlighting that the convicts pleaded guilty to charges of being in possession of petroleum products without a licence. Chande requested the court to impose a stiff punishment to deter other would-be illegal fuel vendors. The prosecution's submission was concurred with by First Grade Magistrate Augustine Mizaya.
Magistrate Mizaya ordered Allan and Luka to pay a fine of K400,000 each or serve 13 months imprisonment with hard labour. The court aimed to send a deterrent message to others engaging in illegal fuel vending. Following the sentencing, the two men have since paid their fines.
The petroleum products found in their possession have been forfeited to the Malawi Government. Allan hails from Matola Village, while Luka comes from Mpulula Village, both in Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka District. The court case and sentencing mark a significant step in the enforcement of regulations on petroleum products in the region.
The Liquid and Gas Act, under which Allan and Luka were convicted, regulates the handling and distribution of petroleum products in Malawi. Section 42 of the Act specifically requires individuals and businesses to obtain a licence before possessing or trading in petroleum products. The conviction and sentencing serve as a reminder of the legal requirements for those involved in the fuel industry.
The successful operation and prosecution by the Balaka Police and the First Grade Magistrate’s Court demonstrate the authorities' commitment to enforcing laws related to the possession and trade of petroleum products. The stiff punishment meted out to Allan and Luka reflects the seriousness with which the authorities view illegal fuel vending.
Key points
- Two men fined K400,000 each for possessing 103 litres of petrol without a licence in Malawi.
- The convicts, operating as illegal fuel vendors, were caught during a covert operation in Balaka District.
- The fines and forfeiture of petroleum products aim to deter others from engaging in illegal fuel vending.
