Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s Court on Monday fined two men K90, 000 each for felling trees illegally for timber at Liwonde National Park, Machinga District.
The two-Wyson Maxon, 42, and Idrissa Bonongwe, 32, -were found guilty of destructing wildlife species. The court hear through State Prosecutor Maxwell Mwaluka that the convicts, on December 22, 2019, were felling indigenous tress when they were netted by wildlife personnel on patrol.
During the Trial, Maxon and Bonongwe admitted to the charge levelled against them and in mitigation, pleaded for lenience claiming they acted out of ignorance.
However the State prayed for a stiff penalty. First Grade Magistrate, Augustine Mizaya, concurred with the State and fined the duo or in default 12 months imprisonment with hard labour.
Both convicts come from Chikuwanje Village, Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi District.
Source: The Daily Tomes_January 7, 2020_by Foster Benjamin