Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Support Editor
Published on 2024-03-04 13:38:40
A 34-year-old man from Kabulo village in Chief Kabwali, Nchelenge district has been sentenced to 30 months in prison with hard labor by the Magistrate Court in Nchelenge. Titus Malama was found guilty of selling dog meat to unsuspecting residents under the false pretense that it was goat meat.
Malama’s deception in selling food that was misrepresented led to his arrest and subsequent conviction by Resident Magistrate Luckson Mbewe. He pleaded guilty to the charges of deception in selling food, which is a violation of sections 10 and 62 of the Food Safety Act No. 7 of 2019. The court found that Malama had sold dog meat on February 20, 2024, in Nchelenge District in a manner that was false, misleading, and deceptive in its character, nature, value, quality, and safety.
During his mitigation, Malama expressed remorse for his actions and asked for forgiveness from the court. He assured that he would never engage in such criminal activities again. Despite his plea for leniency, Magistrate Mbewe acknowledged that Malama was a first-time offender but emphasized the need to set an example and deter others from committing similar crimes.
The Magistrate handed down a sentence of 30 months imprisonment with hard labor to Malama. This decision was made to ensure that Malama learned from his mistake and to send a message to potential offenders about the consequences of deceiving consumers with misrepresented food products.
The case of Malama highlights the importance of food safety regulations and the consequences of breaching them. Selling misrepresented food not only violates the law but also puts consumers at risk of consuming harmful substances without their knowledge. Malama’s actions not only betrayed the trust of his customers but also jeopardized their health and well-being.
It is essential for vendors and sellers to abide by food safety regulations and ensure that they are transparent in their dealings with consumers. Deceiving customers for personal gain is unethical and unacceptable, as it can have serious consequences for public health and safety.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Titus Malama to 30 months in prison with hard labor serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding food safety standards and the consequences of deceiving consumers. It is crucial for all individuals involved in the food industry to prioritize transparency, honesty, and compliance with regulations to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the food supply chain.
Read the original article on Lusaka Times
