According to Cecilia Mfune who is Deputy Public Relations Officer at Mzuzu Police Station, court through State prosecutor Sub inspector Lyson Kachikondo heard that between the months of September and October 2016 the convict visited six villages within Mzimba District that she was working with a Non-governmental organization namely Chimwemwe Orphan Care and Elderly Care Centre.

“She convinced the villagers that her organization will be helping people to access fertilizer but they have to contribute K2,500 for transportation in order to receive the fertilizer. Total amount which was contributed is about K10, 567,500.00. The villagers were surprised that months went on without getting the fertilizer and the convict was nowhere to be found,” said Mfune.

Mfune further said the matter was reported to police and investigation was carried out and the convict was arrested in Nkhotakota. Appearing before court she pleaded not guilty but the state paraded 7 witnesses and she was found guilty for the charge.

“In her mitigation she pleaded with the court that she should be given an ample time to look for the said amount of money and pay back to the villagers. When passing judgment His worship Brian Sambo said what Mbale did is a serious offence,” explained Mfune.

Mbale hails from Chingala Kadoko Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kaluluma in Kasungu District.