The First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Mchinji has ordered Zambian national John Soko to pay K3.5 million for attempting to smuggle petrol into Zambia.

Prosecutor Helix Kamkweche told the court that Soko was found with 27 drums of petrol in his vehicle, amounting to over 1,000 litres.

Kamkweche urged the court to impose a stiff sentence, stating that such practices contribute to the country’s ongoing fuel shortages.

Magistrate Fred Juma Chilokoswa agreed with the prosecution and said the sentence was meant to serve as a deterrent to others.

John Soko hails from Naniya Village in the Mpezeni Chiefdom in Chipata, Zambia.

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