Two get 10-year jail terms for cannabis possession

Salima Senior Resident Magistrate court has convicted and sentenced two men to ten years’ imprisonment with hard labour for possession of uncertified cannabis sativa (chamba).

Salima Police Station spokesperson Rabecca Ndiwate said the convicts, Collins Misomali, 50, and Kapasa Mwenda, 47, were arrested after being found with six baskets full of the drug at Kaphatenga Roadblock.

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“The state prosecutor, Justice Manolo, told the court that the convicts were arrested on September 18 at Kaphatenga Roadblock after police officers intercepted a vehicle, Iveco Truck, registration number MN 937, that was coming from the direction of Nkhotakota, heading towards Salima. Police search recovered six baskets containing the cannabis,” she said.

“Appearing before court, the two pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against them and in submission, the state prayed for a stiffer punishment to serve as a deterrent to other would-be offenders,” Ndiwate added.

In their mitigation, Misomali and Mwenda, asked for leniency from the court, citing family obligations.

Senior Resident Magistrate Felix Kansalira concurred with the state’s submission before sentencing the two to ten years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Misomali hails from Chilemba Village, Traditional Authority Mkanda, Mulanje, while Kapasa Mwenda hails from Chikanje Village, Traditional Authority Kanyenda, Nkhotakota.