The First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Balaka District has ordered 17-year-old Hopeson Jere, to pay a fine of K85,000.00 or, in default, serve 13 months imprisonment for escaping from lawful custody.
Jere fled police custody after faking abdominal pains, prompting authorities to transfer him to Balaka District Hospital for treatment where he tampered with his handcuffs and onlookers tipped law enforcers who pursued and re-arrested him approximately 200 meters away.
During court appearance, Jere pleaded guilty to the charge of escaping from lawful custody.
Jere, however, has yet to pay the fine.
He hails from Robert Village, Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka District.
