Mozambicans convicted by the Blantyre Court in Malawi

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Mozambicans convicted by the Blantyre Court in Malawi

2:46 CAT | 04 May 2017

Twenty-one Mozambicans, detained in Malawi since November last year, have been sentenced by a Blantyre court to between 12 and 18 months in prison for entering the country illegally and logging in a protected area.

They were charged with illegal logging and logging in Lengwe National Park, a protected national reserve along the border with Mozambique. Most of the Mozambicans were employed by Portuguese businessman José Manuel, also sentenced to eighteen months in prison.

The Mozambicans’ defence attorney, Joseph Kamkwasi, is deeply indignant at the judge’s decision and says he will appeal the decision to the supreme court.

“Let’s appeal to probation. There are sufficient grounds to appeal the sentence because it is manifestly exaggerated, in addition to no fine payment option being given allegedly because, being foreigners, the defendants have no money.” Kamkwasi said.

A total of thirty-six individuals were convicted in the case: twenty-one Mozambicans, one Portuguese, two Chinese, and twelve Malawians.

The Blantyre court also ordered that all equipment used in the crime be confiscated and that two vehicles be handed over to the Parks and Wildlife Directorate and the judge respectively. The rest would be sold and the money deposited with the National Wildlife Fund.

The confiscated equipment includes six tractors, a thirty-ton truck, two vehicles, two chainsaws and four motorcycles.

Commenting on the court’s ruling, Parks and Wildlife Director Brighton Kumchedwa expressed his satisfaction.

“I am pleased that they have been given prison sentences and not an option to pay a fine, which is what we wanted. We are very happy about it,” Kumchedwa said.

After their conviction, the Mozambicans were prevented from making statements to the press.

Source: Rádio Moçambique