Tanzanian driver fined K6,000 over Mukula tree

Tanzanian driver fined K6,000 over Mukula tree

Chinsali, Sept 17,2014, ZANIS… A Tanzanian driver has been fined K6, 000 and his truck forfeited to the State after he was found guilty of being in possession of biological resources by the Chinsali Magistrate courts.

ZANIS reports that Abdallah Switu, 39, of Dar-es-salaam was charged with one count of unlawful possession of biological resources contrary to section 120(2) of the Environmental Management Act number 12 of 2011 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that Switu on 8 September 2014 jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown, unlawfully did have in his possession 300 pieces of Mukula tree without authority.

Switu pleaded guilty to the charged.

Chinsali Senior Resident Magistrate Francis Nsokolo ordered a fine of K6, 000 or in default two years imprisonment with hard labour.

He further ordered the forfeiture of the Fusso truck registration number ABV 3592/T 643 ATC and motor bike registration number T 782 ASG to the State in accordance with the Environmental Management Act.

The Senior Resident Magistrate also ordered that the 300 pieces of the famous Mukula tree be forfeited to the State.

In mitigation Switu pleaded for maximum leniency from the court and to be deported back to Tanzania.