Four fined over non- compliance to COVID-19 prevention measures in Nsanje

By Martin Chiwanda

Nsanje, January 28, Mana: Nsanje First Grade Magistrate Court on Wednesday convicted and ordered four people to pay a fine of K10, 000 each for not wearing a face mask in public.

The state, through Sub Inspector Richard Dzineso and Sub Inspector Victor Nachuma told the court that on Wednesday police officers conducted a special operation to enforce COVID-19 Prevention Regulations.

The prosecutors said in the course of their duty, police arrested the said people who were found not putting on face masks at a public place contrary to rule 20(3) of Malawi Public Health Corona Virus and COVID-19 prevention.

Appearing before Magistrate John Mphwahiwa, all of them pleaded guilty.
In their submission, the prosecutors prayed for a stiffer penalty to the accused to deter would-be offenders.

The prosecutors said government put in place guidelines to protect citizens from the pandemic and that it was unfortunate that some people disobey them, hence the need for a stiff penalty.

Delivering the ruling, Mphwahiwa ordered the four to pay K10, 000 each or in default serve one month jail term.
“This should send a signal to people in the district to abide by the preventive measures,” said Magistrate John Mphwahiwa.

The four have since paid the fines.