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MULENGA MUSONDA writes
THREE Food Reserve Agency (FRA) employees in Muchinga Province have been docked in the Nakonde Magistrates Court for theft of over 750 ×50kg bags of maize.
These are Fortune Makoni, 34, Cosmas Siyema. Also aged 34 and Joseph Simukonde, 36, all residents of Nakonde and employed as Marketing Assistant and Commodity Checkers respectively.
They are charged with theft by servant contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Allegations are that the three, with others unknown stole 757 × 50Kg bags of maize valued at K56, 775 the property of FRA.
The bags of maize came into their possession by virtue of their employment with FRA.
The alleged theft is said to have occurred between January 1 and May 30, 2020 in Nakond.
When they appeared for plea before Resident Magistrate George Banda, they all denied the charge compelling the court to record pleas of not guilty respectively.
Magistrate Banda in committing the three to K20, 000 bail each in their own recognisance , noted that the offence committed is serious and to secure their attendance the bail conditions needed to be stiff.
The court also ordered that the accused persons to provide two working sureties from reputable organisations who will also be bound in the like sum and in their own recognisance.
The matter was adjourned to August 21, 2020 for commencement of trial. The three were remanded in custody and will only be released after fulfilling bail conditions
