Blind man arrested for trading in hemp

By Godfrey Olukya 14-9-2012

Police in Malawi has been shocked by arresting a blind man dealing in illicit Indian hemp.

According to police, the blind man who was arrested from Nkhotakota district has been identified as Isaac Kachigamba aged 48yrs. If found guilty, the offence attracts a maximum penalty of
life imprisonment.

‘Isaac Kachigamba was arrested at Kalimanjira Trading Centre yesterday at a road-block we mounted there,’ said Nkhotakota police spokesman, Kaitano Lubrino.’Kachigamba has been cooperative and easily confessed that he has been trafficking Indian hemp for a long time.’ he added.

He said that by the time of arrest, Kachigamba had 20 kgs of Indian hemp which he was going to sell in a nearby town.

Kachigamba appealed for pardon saying that he has 12 children and two wives whom he supports through the illicit trade.

He has appeared before first grade magistrate Fred Chilowetsa where he admitted the charges of trafficking Indian hemp and his case has been adjourned to September 20 for judgement.

A good number of unemployed people in Malawi have resorted to getting involved in illicit trade like that of Indian hemp which is on high demand amongst slum dwellers and unemployed youths.

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