RABECCA BANDA writes
The Lusaka magistrates court has jailed a man two years imprisonment for stealing property worth K16,205.
Particulars of the offence before magistrate Martha Miti were that Sean Phiri and Everson Mumba allegedly stole a laptop, a pair of shoes and assorted items from a car belonging to Diana Mambwe.
When the matter come up for continued trial, Phiri asked the court to retake his plea.
Phiri admitted the charge and said he broke into the car and stole the items.
Facts in respect of Phiri were that on August 30 2019, Ms. Mambwe knocked off from work and went to China Mall for shopping.
She parked her car at the parking area and locked all the doors.
When she finished shopping, she went to the car and to her surprise a door to the car was open.
She checked inside and noticed that a laptop and other items were missing.
She informed the manager at the mall of her loss and later reported the theft to Embassy Police station.
Phiri pleaded for mercy from the court saying he has learned a lesson and has four children that need care and support.
Magistrate Miti said cases of theft have become rampant among youths in communities and Phiri deserved to be punished to deter other would be offenders.
The court sentenced Phiri to two years imprisonment with hard labour.
