Zambia: Kasama Magistrate Court has convicted a 39-year business man of Kasama on two counts of selling medicines illegally. He was selling the medicines in a place other than a Pharmacy and did not maintain records for medicines.
The accused Peter Chanda, a businessman of Chipoma Village in Chief Mwamba’s area in Kasama. He zzwas charged in front of the court for his action
Meanwhile, the court adjourned to 29th July, 2024 another case where Chanda has also been charged with another count of prohibition of trafficking in drugs.
Particulars of the offence are that on 23rd April, 2024 in Kasama, the accused was arrested and charged for selling medicines in a place other than a pharmacy or a health shop.
And Chanda who earlier appeared for plea before Kasama Magistrate Chapson Silwamba admitted and pleaded guilty to the charges of selling medicines in a place other than a pharmacy and failing to maintain records for medicines.
Magistrate Silwimba has since imposed a K6,000 fine on Chanda or face nine months imprisonment in default.
Magistrate Silwamba fined Chanda K3,500 in the first offence of selling medicines in a place other than a pharmacy or a health shop.
This is contrary to Section 44 (1) of the Medicine and Allied Substances Act No.3 of 2023 of the Laws of Zambia.
The Magistrate also slapped Chanda with a K2, 500 fine in the other case of failing to maintain records for medicines or allied substances.
This is contrary to Section 58 (2) (d) of the Medicine and Allied Substances Act No.3 of 2013 of the Laws of Zambia.
And in mitigation Chanda said he is the first offender and that he accepted the charges without wasting courts time.
He pleaded to be given a chance saying he will not repeat but he will engage himself in the legal business.
Chanda added that he would devote his energy to the benefit of the community and his family stating that he will be an ambassador against the said crime.
This case has however been adjourned to 29th July, 2024 for plea.