The Chinsali Magistrates’ Court has convicted and sentenced a 20-year old-pregnant woman for trafficking in miraa.
Appearing before Magistrate Shaderick Chanda for judgment yesterday ,was Ruth Chilambo of Chiyanga Village in Nakonde district charged with one count of trafficking in psychotropic substances contrary to Section 6 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances Act Chapter 96 of the Laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that on April 3, 2014 Chilambo did traffic in psychotropic substances, namely Miraa weighing 30.5kg.
In passing judgement Magistrate Chanda said the court had found Chilambo guilty upon her own plea of guilty and sentenced her accordingly.
Magistrate Chanda said being a widow and pregnant is no excuse for one to involve herself in such illegal business.
In mitigation the convict had pleaded for lenience, saying she is a widow and nine months pregnant.
Ms Chilambo said she needed to prepare for the coming of the baby that is why she engaged herself in such illegal business.
How long is the sentence?
hw come General Kanene’s case wa committed to the high because the magistrate has no powers to ment a longer sentence. why?
This is just outrageous. That far advanced in pregnancy and she’s sent to jail…
the author has not indicated the length of the sentence. May someone tell me the sentence please.
Uh, another prison baby on the way…! NGOs haere is a case for you to take up!
Why is it that I have never of a Zambian judge giving out a suspended sentence? Does our legal system allows for such? The closest I have heard is a time served in remand custody being counted towards a jail sentence.
All the judge is doing is getting tax payer to pay for the lady’s maternity expenses as she would probably just go straight to hospital; and they would deprive the baby off her mum’s love as it is likely they will take her away from her.
There is hardly need for a suspended sentence. The convicts appeal, go out on bail and stay free for the rest of their sentences. Haven’t you noticed? It is only the poor convicts who end up serving time.
Read: ‘… I have never heard of…’
The magistrate is an idiot.
The magistrate is a dick head.
why not give her a suspended sentence? she is a widow & very pregnant! Those with billions unaccounted for or not paid back mulebalekelako!
This woman must apply for a stay of that sentence to a suitable time ; otherwise this foreign european law must go to hell.
@kalos
perhaps you need to go to hell yourself. Being a widow and being heavily pregnant is no passport for mischief. Do you know what the drug myrrh does to the user? Please do not comment on issues that are beyond your comprehension because you exhibit your ignorance!!
Zambian Justice S.H.I.T stem
What is Miraa?