Two business people, Harriet Banda and Jeremiah Mona, learned the hard way that the fakes don’t pay after Lilongwe’s sophomore Magistrates Court slammed 1.8 million fines each to sell replica jerseys of the counterfeit Malawi national football team.
The duo was convicted of violating section 52(1)(b) of the Trademark Act of 2018 after Banda was arrested for 84 fake moto brand jerseys and 62.
FAM, represented in court by marketing and broadcast manager Tulipo Mwenelupembe, welcomed the ruling, warning that the crackdown on counterfeit sportswear was not over.
“This was the first time I’ve registered a complaint like this, but not the last time. I’m urging Malawians to purchase official FAM products only from licensed distributors. I’ll continue to work with the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Revenue Bureau to end this medical malpractice,” Mwenelupembe said.
Despite being a first-time offender, prosecutor’s assistant inspector Kabazare sentenced a tough sentence, emphasizing that fake jerseys not only take away family incomes, but also trick the government from taxes that can support the national team.
The incident calls for FAM to extend vigilance beyond Lilongwe, with some commentators pointing to Muzuzu as a hot spot for counterfeit flame jerseys.
Meanwhile, Banda and Mona can count their good fortune. The biggest penalty for their attack is five million fines or ten years in prison. Certainly a fiery lesson!
