The Mzimba First Grade Magistrate’s court at Jenda has handed a 12-month suspended sentence to 98 Ethiopian nationals after being found guilty of illegal entry into Malawi.
The migrants appeared before the court today, following their arrest on January 19,2024 where they pleaded guilty of all charges levelled against.
State prosecutor Patrick Lungu prayed to the court for a stiffer punishment arguing that such cases are on an increase hence requiring a punishment that would act as a deterrent for the same.
And passing the sentence, Magistrate Redson Gamaliel handed all the 98 illegal immigrants a three months jail term with hard labour for illegal entry but suspended it to 12 months.
The magistrate has further directed their repatriation by the responsible ministry.
Meanwhile, the motor vehicle used in the commissioning of the crime has been forfeited to Malawi Police Service as search for the driver and his assistant continue.