Wandale given suspended sentence

Leader of People’s Land Organisation Vincent Wandale has been given a 1 and half year suspended sentence for attempting to grab the land in Thyolo and Mulanje districts.

Wandale was arrested some months ago when his group led people who invaded Conforxi tea estate in Thyolo.

Presenting the judgment senior residence magistrate Thokoxani Soko ordered Wandale to pay 100-thousand kwacha, should not commit a similar offence and not found in any land with an intention to grab it.

“Wandale and his followers took the law in their hands by invading a private land. Therefire I order him to serve a ten mounths jail sentence for the offence of conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, 24 months for unauthorized use of land and 1 month for criminal trespassing,” said Soko.

The judge also said she has considered the fact that Wandale is the first offender.

Laywer for Wandale Michael Goba Chipeta says is not satisfied with the judgment and will appeal.

“There are several errors in the judgment,” Chipeta said

Over 20 people who were also arrested were given a suspended sentence while Tendai Msikita leader of a home based organization acquitted.