Six month imprisonment with hard labour for stealing items worth K745,000

A 23 year old man of John Chinena area in Chibombo district has been sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour by a Kabwe magistrate on convicted of theft.

Magistrate Mary Simpungwe convicted James Ngoma of the offence of theft after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Facts before the court are that on January 31 this year, Ngoma broke into a farm house belonging to Charles Whipp in Chibombo and stole items worthy K745, 000.

Ngoma stole six wooden poles, one role of barbed wire, carpets and two fans property of Charles Whipp.

In mitigation, Ngoma told the court that he was an orphan who deserved lenience from the court. He said he was facing a lot of hardships in life that was why he was tempted to steal.

He said when he went into the farm, his intention was to eat guavas but found that the house was unmanned tempting him to break in to steal.

And passing judgment Magistrate Simpungwe told Ngoma that although he deserved leniency, he should not go for other people’s property simply because he was suffering.

She said at 23 years of age, he should be able to find better and lawful means to take care of himself other than stealing.

ZANIS