HABITUAL THIEF JAILED 3 YEARS
Written by Millennium on September 5, 2019
A 19 years old habitual thief of Choma has been slapped with three years jail sentence for house breaking and theft.
This in a matter in which Mike Gondwe of Choma’s Mwapona Compound stood charged with housebreaking and theft contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that on 24th July 2019 in Choma, Gondwe jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown with intent to steal, broke into Bridget Malambo’s house and stole therein an amplifier, radio, slippers among other items all valued at K2,342.
When the matter came up for plea before Resident Magistrate Ethel Phiri, Gondwe admitted the allegation levelled against him but disputed stealing the K500 cash that was indicated together with other stolen items.
According to facts as presented by Public Prosecutor Catherine Sakala, only property worth k210 was recovered by the arresting officer Sergeant Mwangala of Shampande Police Post.
In mitigation Gondwe begged for lenience and accused the police of beating him.
“I am asking for lenience as I am already a convict. I also suffer from ulcers and may the people I offended please forgive me,” he begged.
Magistrate Phiri considered his mitigation and the fact that he was a second offender.
“It is like you never learn your lesson , I hereby sentence you to three years imprisonment with hard labour with effect from your date of arrest,” Magistrate Phiri said.
