Counterfeit doc gets suspended sentence

THE Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has convicted a University Teaching Hospital pathologist to 6 months imprisonment with hard labour and this will be suspended to 12 months for being found in possession of 84, 100 US Dollars counterfeit currency.

The matter came up yesterday for sentencing before magistrate David Simusamba.

In this matter, Dr. Daniel Kaonga Muswahu 53, a pathologist at the University Teaching Hospital stood charged with two counts of possession of Counterfeit Currency Notes contrary to the Laws of Zambia.

When the matter came up, magistrate Simusamba said he had read the accused person’s mitigation and asked him why he should not be sent to prison.

“Doctor Maswahu, I read your mitigation, in a nutshell, what were you trying to say? Why should I not send you to prison?” He said.

And Dr. Maswahu replied saying he had taken responsibility of his actions and would like to continue serving as a pathologist as they were only three at UTH and he is the senior.

“But how did you fall into this?” asked magistrate Simusamba.

Dr. Maswahu said it was hard to say how he got himself into the offence and said it was because of wrong company.

“Doc it is a bit embarrassing for you to be involved in this, however I will be very lenient with you and sentence you to 6 months imprisonment with hard labour and this will be suspended for 12 months.” said Simusamba.

And the counterfeit notes have since been forfeited to the state.