I stole the cattle, but…

John Kombe writes
@sunzambian
A 32 year old peasant farmer of Lupenga village in Rufunsa pleaded not guilty to stealing a cow belonging
to his neighbour.
Ignatius Mvula was appearing in Chongwe magistrate court for stock theft contrary to Section 275 of the
penal code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia. He appeared before magistrate Majory Saasa.
It is alleged that on 17th July the accused did steal one cow belonging to Dauti Chisanga of the same
village. The animal was valued at K5, 000. 00.
The accused told the court that he only stole three animals he believed belonged to another neighbour,
Elias Mwanza. He claimed that he was not aware that one of the three animals belonged to Chisanga. He
submitted that he had since paid Mwanza for the animals he stole.
In his testimony Mwanza admitted being paid for his two animals. He however stated that the accused
knew that the third animal belonged to Chisanga who refused to negotiate with the accused.
Chisanga told the court that unlike Mwanza, he refused to settle the matter outside court and hence the
matter before court.
A third witness testified that the accused did take three cows for custody in his kraal where a buyer later
collected them from.
And a forth witness testified that he helped the accused find a buyer for the three animals. He submitted
that he, at that time believed that the animals belonged to the accused. He however told the court that he
was later alerted of the loss of three animals at Mwanza’s farm. He stated that he then helped to
apprehend the accused who admitted to stealing the animals.
The court adjourned the matter to September 30 for continued trial while the accused is on bail awaiting
his next appearance in court.