By Lauryn M’banga 

Phalombe Third Grade Magistrate Topsy Mpinga has fined nine people K60,000 each for contravening a ban on sale of meat to curb the spread of the foot and mouth disease outbreak.

The nine were arrested on January 21, 2023, for selling meat despite the ban imposed by the District Agriculture Office.

The defendants all pleaded guilty to the charges leveled against them.

During the hearing, the state prosecutor, sub inspector Shadrick Wisiki asked the court to impose a stiffer punishment to deter would-be offenders.

Third Grade Magistrate Mpinga also ordered that the confiscated meat should be destroyed by burning.

The court also ordered that the weighing scale and panga knives used be forfeited to the government.