THE Samfya Magistrate Court has convicted a 24-year-old man to five years imprisonment with hard labour for burglary and theft, contrary to section 301 of the PenalC chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Before Magistrate, Fabian Likulunga was Morris Ndekela of Kanika Village in Senior Chief Mwewa’s area in Chifunabuli district in Luapula Province.
Ndekela was arrested on May 25, 2020 and was charged with burglary and theft.
Facts before the court were that Ndekela between the nights of 14 and 21 May 2020 in Chifunabuli did break and entered a dwelling house of Donald Mulenga with intent to steal and stole one mattress, a 250 liters plastic drum and some kitchen utensils altogether valued at K1, 254 the property of Mulenga.
In mitigation, Ndekela pleaded with court for lenience saying he was married with children and taking care of his siblings.
In passing judgment, Magistrate Likulunga said he was being lenient on the accused by sentencing him to five years imprisonment with hard labour when the offence in question carries the maximum of 10 years and above for the first offender.
– ZANIS