EX-SOLDIER JAILED FOR OBTAINING GOODS BY FALSE PRETENCE

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

A 28-year-old ex-Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldier, Allan Chikuse, has been convicted and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for obtaining goods by false pretence.

This verdict was handed down by the First Grade Magistrate court in Mponela, Dowa District.

According to state prosecutor Sergeant Evance Banda, Chikuse introduced himself as a soldier to a barman and gained his trust.

Over time, they became friends, and on December 24, 2024, Chikuse went to the bar, drank beer, and claimed he would pay via Airtel money.

The barman believed him, but when Chikuse repeated the claim on December 27, 2024, the barman asked for proof of payment, which Chikuse failed to provide.

Chikuse pleaded guilty to the charge, which contravenes Section 319 of the Penal Code.

Prosecutor Banda pushed for a stiffer punishment to deter potential offenders.

First Grade Magistrate Talakwanji Mndala agreed and sentenced Chikuse to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour.

Chikuse, 28, hails from Simwaza village in the area of Traditional Authority Malenga in Ntchisi District.

This case highlights the importance of verifying transactions and being cautious of false pretences.