LAWYERS representing convicted Zupco chairman Charles Nherera have urged the court to fine their client instead of jailing him as implored by the State last week. In submissions in mitigation filed at the Harare Magistrates' Courts on Wednesday, Advocate Clement Phiri and Mr Joseph Mandizha said the State did not suffer any loss in the matter. "It is respectfully submitted on behalf of the accused that no prejudice was suffered by the State. Prejudice remains potential only and, therefore, the sentence to be passed must be commensurate with the salient features of this offence. "The preference of a fine as opposed to imprisonment in matters such as this is firmly supported by the law," the lawyers said. They argued that Nherera had already suffered as a result of the publicity surrounding the case and that he was likely to lose his job as a result of the conviction.