ZOMBA-(MaraviPost)-A 55-year-old woman identified as Rhoda Amos of Lupanga Village, Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka District has escaped jail after paying a fine of K750,000 as directed by the Balaka First Grade Magistrate’s Court for being found in possession of a firearm without a permit and licence.
Balaka Police Station publicist Gladson M’bumpha said the court through state prosecutor Bodwin Msukwa heard that the woman committed the offence on January 1, 2026 at Lupanga Village in the district after being found in possession of a pistol and seven ammunitions hidden in a sack bag whilst wrapped with a plastic jumbo after well-wishers tipped Police.
“Upon interrogation, the woman disclosed that the firearm was sent to her by her son Amos Poison, 35 who is currently in Johannesburg, South Africa and that it was transported to Malawi whilst hidden in a subwoofer,” M’bumpha said.
Amos pleaded guilty to a charge, found in possession of a firearm without a permit and licence.
“Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Augustine Mizaya agreed with the state’s submission for a stiff sentence, citing that the weapon is offensive and a threat to the community hence sentencing the woman to pay a fine of K750,000 or in default serve 15 months imprisonment with hard labour as a caution to other would-be offenders.