Lusaka dealer jailed in Nakonde for possessing fake dollars

-The Nakonde magistrates’ court in Muchinga Province has convicted and sentenced a 31-year-old man of Lusaka to three years imprisonment with hard labour for being in possession of over $50, 000 United States counterfeit bank notes contrary to the laws of Zambia.

Before magistrate Joshua Sikazwe was Misael Mwale of Ng’ombe compound in Lusaka district.

The accused stood charged with one count of being in possession $56,400 forged U.S bank notes without lawful authority contrary to Section 358 Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Facts presented before court were that on January 20, this year Mwale was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officers after they found him carrying the said amount of U.S forged currency nicely concealed in a small travelling bag at Nakonde council bus stop.

Mwale pleaded not guilty to the charge.

When passing judgment the magistrate said following the evidence induced before the court by the state witness he was very much convinced that the accused did commit the offence he was standing charged with.

Magistrate SIkazwe said he had taken into consideration what the convict had said in mitigation but said such cases had become so rampant in the country hence the need to punish the perpetrators so as to deter other would be offenders.

He, therefofore, sentenced Mwale to three years imprisonment with hard labour with effect from the day of arrest.

In mitigation Mwale said he was looking after two patients at his home who would suffer if he was given a custodial sentence.