The Chikwawa First Grade Magistrate's Court has sentenced 30-year-old Mary Mwaipape a tarven owner at Chikwawa Boma to pay a K 35,000 fine or serve 12 months in prison for noise pollution.
Police Spokesperson for Chikwawa Foster Benjamin confirmed the incident and revealed that the woman was on Wednesday found guilty of common nuisance.
"She was arrested on the wee hours of Wednesday and admitted the offence which contravenes Section 168 of the Penal code. It attracts a maximum 12-month sentence in jail." he said.
It was stated in the court that Mwaipape's business disturbed residents around Chikwawa boma with loud music that would be played till the early hours of the morning.
"People around the tavern, including those in Mbenderana village, have long been complaining about the conduct of the business of the accused. While it is her right to do business, but she may not do so to the extent of infringing on the right of others; hence the need to give her a meaningful sentence," reported in court state prosecutor Danford Otala.
After admitting the charge, Mwaipape, however, asked the court to forgive her since she didn't know that too much music vibes would constitute into a crime.
Her plead was quashed by the court saying
the convict's business caused anguish not only to residents but also to patients at Chikwawa District Hospital hence the sentence to warn other tavern owners.
Mwaipape, who comes from Mbenderana village under Traditional Authority Kasisi in Chikwawa District, has since paid the fine to escape the jail term.
A call to end noise pollution
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