By Phillimon Backson
The Chikwawa First Grade Magistrate Court has convicted and fined Francis Kagone (30) K700,000 for operating a clinic without a licence.
According to Chikwawa Police Spokesperson, Dickson Matemba, The court heard through state prosecutor, Ernest Mangwena, that on May 29, 2026, well-wishers tipped off police that Kagone was operating a clinic at Maperera Trading Centre without a licence.
He says when police arrived at the clinic, the owner failed to produce licence leading to his arrest.
When appearing in court, Kagone pleaded guilty to the charge of operating a clinic without a licence, contrary to Section 17(1)(a) of the Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board Act.
In his submission, State Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent Ernest Mangwena urged the court to impose a stiffer sentence, citing that operating a clinic without authorisation from qualified health professionals puts lives at serious risk.
In mitigation, Kagone asked the court for leniency, stating that he had admitted to the charge without wasting the court’s time and that he was a first offender.
In her ruling, First Grade Magistrate Annie Chikhadzula concurred with the State and noted that Kagone’s actions had a high potential of causing serious harm to members of the public, given that he is not a qualified medical practitioner and ordered him to pay a fine of K700,000 or, in default, serve 24 months imprisonment with hard labour
Kagone hails from Mafumbi Village, Traditional Authority Makhuwira in Chikwawa District.
