KABWE COURT FINES WOMAN K30,000 FOR OPERATING UNREGISTERED PHARMACY

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Posted by admin on August 21, 2025 at 7:37 AM

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In a decisive move to uphold pharmaceutical standards and public safety, the Kabwe Magistrate Court has fined Mary Nyendwa, a 27-year-old businesswoman from Six Miles in Chibombo district, K30,000 for operating an unregistered pharmacy.

Presiding over the case, Resident Magistrate Gloria Chipasha convicted Nyendwa after she pleaded guilty to the charge.

The offense, committed on 24 May 2025, involved running a pharmacy without a valid certificate of registration from the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) a violation of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act.

Ms Nyendwa was arrested during a joint compliance operation by ZAMRA inspectors and Lusaka Division police officers aimed at curbing the illegal sale of medicines in Chibombo. She was later released on police bond on 27 May 2025.

In her mitigation, Nyendwa claimed ignorance of the registration procedures. However, the court emphasized that lack of knowledge does not absolve one from legal responsibility, especially in matters concerning public health.

As growing lists of convictions as ZAMRA intensifies its crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical operations. Similar enforcement actions have seen multiple individuals fined across the country, with penalties ranging from K3,000 to K60,000, depending on the severity and circumstances.

ZAMRA continues to urge the public to avoid purchasing medicines from unregistered outlets, warning that such products may be substandard or harmful.

The agency also encourages aspiring pharmacy operators to seek proper guidance and registration to ensure compliance and protect community health.