Ugandan bags 9-year jail term for illegal gun possession

Mwenyi Abdullah, a Ugandan national aged 44, has been sentenced by Mangochi Principal Resident Magistrate court sitting at Mulunguzi Court in Zomba to 9 years imprisonment and deportation for being found in possession of a firearm and ammunition without a permit and illegal entry into Malawi. 

State Prosecutor Superitendent Josephine Chigawa told the court that the convict was apprehended following a tip from workers of Sabble Farming Estate after being spotted loitering around the estate premises.  

The Police officers decided to search at his rented apartment at Kwisimba village where they discovered 3 pistols, 63 live ammunition, military boots, and two ISIS Flags among others. 

In court, Abdullah pleaded guilty to all the charges leveled against him and asked the court's leniency, in mitigation, stating that he was cooperative in the case as well as his intention to open a tailoring shop.

The State quashed his plea citing that his presence in Malawi posed a severe security risk as he was in possession of three fire arms and flags bearing symbols of ISIS organisation which is perceived to be a terrorist group.

Principal Resident Magistrate court Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state and sentenced Mwenyi Abdullah to 9 years imprisonment with hard labour for being found in possession of a firearm and live ammunition. He will be deported after serving the sentence.