Malawi court convicts 18 local ‘Boko Haram’ gang: Fined K5,000 each

The Mchinji Magistrate court has ordered 18 teenagers who were members of local criminal gang ‘Boko Harama’ and another called ‘Gaza’ to pay a fine of K5, 000 or in default serve a three month jail term for beating, robbing pupils in primary schools in the district.

Head teachers for Bua and Kamuzu Primary schools Atanazio Mchacha and Saizi Kaluma testified before the court that the gangs snatched porridge from pupils at the school, threatened teachers and broke windows at the two schools.

Police prosecutor Chilomo Phiri also told the court that members of the gangs (names withheld) with ages ranging from 14 to 16 engaged in other activities such as smoking marijuana (Chamba) and other violent acts.

The 18 boys pleaded guilty to the charge of a conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

Passing judgement Mchinji First Grade Magistrate Rodwell Meja Phiri warned the 18 boys against involving themselves in such criminal acts at such tender age.

He then ordered the boys to pay a fine of K5,000 each or in default serve three months jail term.

All the convicts paid the fine.