The Second Grade Magistrate’s Court in Zomba has set July 2 as the date for judgment in a case involving a Burundian national accused of operating a grocery business without the required licence.
The accused, Neza Eric, is facing charges of Disobedience of Statutory Duty under Section 123 of the Penal Code after allegedly leaving Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District and establishing a grocery shop at GVH Chikanda in Zomba without authorization.
According to court records, Eric arrived in Malawi in 2019 as an asylum seeker and was residing at Dzaleka Refugee Camp before allegedly relocating to Zomba, where he started the business.
Immigration officials arrested the 44-year-old on June 16 and brought him before the court.During the hearing, Eric pleaded guilty and appealed for leniency, telling the court that he has a young child who depends on him.
However, state prosecutor Sub-Inspector Chiluwe Cha-Malonje of the Immigration Department urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, arguing that similar offences are becoming increasingly common in the country.
Cha-Malonje told the court that the offence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, and possible repatriation to Dzaleka Refugee Camp.
Presiding magistrate Steven Jacob Nambiri acknowledged concerns over the rising number of such cases and reserved judgment until July 2, when sentencing will be delivered.
