By CHITALU MUMBA –
A LIVINGSTONE magistrate’s court has fined a driver of Kazungula K1, 000 for illegally transporting 17 bags of charcoal.
This is in a case in which Professor Choongo of Luntele Village in Kazungula is charged with illegal conveyance of major forestry produce.
Facts of the case are that on November 13, this year, in Livingstone, Choongo collected and conveyed 17 bags of charcoal to Livingstone without lawful authority.
On the date in question, a forest technician, Peris Mwamba, while riding his bicycle home saw a motor vehicle registration number AJD 156, which was carrying charcoal on Botswana Road.
Mwamba trailed the vehicle until it parked at Dambwa Central Market and approached it.
When he asked the driver if he had a permit to allow him to transport the charcoal, Choongo responded that he had none.
Mwamba then seized the charcoal and the vehicle and took them to the Forestry Department office where he charged the driver.
Livingstone Magistrate Benjamin Mwelwa found Choongo guilty of transporting the charcoal illegally.
During mitigation, Choongo pleaded for forgiveness because he was merely assisting a trader who wanted to use his vehicle.
“I am asking for forgiveness from the court. I am guilty of the offence because I wanted to help the trader who booked my vehicle,” he said.
Mr Mwelwa charged Choongo K1, 000 or in default, three months simple imprisonment.
He said the charcoal would be disposed of by the clerk of court.
“You should stop using your vehicle for illegal activities otherwise it will be forfeited to the State. So next time, you will lose your property; you should learn to follow the right procedure,” he said.
Mr Mwelwa said the vehicle would be returned to the rightful owner.