Fake reporter jailed 18 months in Malawi: Forged Zodiak identity
Dedza Magistrate court on Friday sentenced Innocent Bwanali to 18 months imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) after being found guilty in two counts of impersonating and forgery.
According to court records, Bwanali forged an identity card for a locally private owned radio station Zodiak Broadcasting Cooperation (ZBS) which he was using as a reporter representing the said media house.
Bwanali was arrested after he wanted to borrow a laptop using the fake ZBS identity card.
When questioned by Police, Bwanali claimed that ZBS had employed three correspondents to be based in Mwanza, Dedza and Mangochi.
Impersonating is contrary to section 99(b) of the penal code and carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
While forgery is contrary to section 356 of penal code and carries a maximum sentence of 3 years.
In passing the judgement after being convicted, Magistrate Damiano Chibwana Banda said the accused deserved a stiff punishment as his acts could have tarnished the image of Zodiak radio.
In mitigation, the convict pleaded for leniency saying he looks after a family and two children.
Innocent Bwanali,38 hails from Mpotola Village, Sitola in Machinga.
Robbery arrests
Meanwhile, Police have also arrested Peter Banda who alongside two friends on Saturday afternoon after they attacked and robbed an Airtel agent who was coming from sales. They went away with undisclosed amount of cash.
The incident happened near Marcy Williams Secondary school along the Malawi-Mozambique boarder.
Banda was arrested at Bunda roadblock travelling in a Toyota Ipsum Registration Number BP 8388.
Banda, 43, hails from Imfa ya tonse Village, T/A Mkukula in Dowa District.
He is being kept at Dedza Police Station and is expected to appear before court soon to answer charges of robbery according to Dedza Police Public Relations Officer Edward Kabango.
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