JOHN KOMBE writes
A 27 year old man of Kampasa village in Chongwe has denied stealing a bicycle belonging to a school girl.
Balbine Zulu appeared for trial before magistrate Marjory Saasa. He is charged for theft contrary to Section 272, Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the matter are that on June 6 2020 the accused person did steal a bicycle belonging to Addess Nkata a pupil at ZNS community school in the same area. The bicycle is reported to have been stolen from the home of Jeff Mumba, the father of the girl. The Buffalo bicycle was a gift to the school girl by the school. It is valued at K2, 500. It was recovered and was brought before court as evidence.
The court heard that the accused was caught while trying to ride the bicycle out of the yard.
Balbine told the court that he did not intend to still the bicycle, but planned to bring it back after an errand. Surprisingly he admitted that he did not ask for permission to use it and was unknown to both the girl and the father.
The court recorded a plea of not guilty because the accused admitted to getting the bicycle, but claimed that he did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the bicycle.
The matter was adjourned to September 21 for continued trial. The accused is remanded in custody awaiting appearance in court on the stated dates.
