The Nsanje Magistrate’s Court has convicted a shadow ward councillor and two accomplices for illegally selling fuel without a licence, in a case that highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on unregulated fuel trade.

Ruben Basikolo, 34, a shadow councillor for Nyamadzere Ward, and Lazarus Chikoti, 45, were each fined K150,000 or risk serving 12 months in prison if they fail to pay. Meanwhile, Mbanyale Chimbalanga, a 38-year-old businessman, was handed a K400,000 fine, or face 18 months imprisonment after being found in possession of 520 litres of diesel stored in drums and jerrycans at his home.

According to Constable Jabulani Ng’oma, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Nsanje Police, the arrests were made following a tip-off from the public.

“Detectives raided Mbany

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