By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, April 2, Mana: Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Chitipa has sentenced Watwivwa Kayola, 41, to a fine of K1.8 million, or in default serve 12 months’ jail term, for being found with liquid fuels without a licence.

The court heard that on March 22, 2025, Chitipa Police confiscated 400 litres of Petrol and five litres of Paraffin and arrested Kayola.

Kayola pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted on his own plea of guilt.

In mitigation, the convict asked for leniency saying he is a first offender and a bread winner to his family.

However, State Prosecutor Constable Isabel Mkandawire asked the court to give Kayola stiffer punishment saying the tendency is rampant in the district which puts lives at risk.

“My worship, I am praying for a stiffer punishment to deter other would be offenders because this illegal business is becoming common in the district,” Mkandawire prayed.

Senior Resident Magistrate Ephraim Chikwakwa concurred with the state that storage of fuel is risky and puts many lives at risk.

Chikwakwa then sentenced Kayola to a fine of K1.8 million or in default serve 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

The court has ordered that the fuel be given to Malawi Government.

Kayola hails from Ishalikira Village in the area of Senior Chief Mwabulambya in Chitipa.