The Chisamba magistrate court has convicted a 53-year-old man and sentenced him to three months imprisonment with hard labour for stealing a 50 kilogram bag of onion valued at K500.
Magistrate Litungi Litungi sentenced Morris Mwila Matipa, a fashion designer of Zambia Cooperative Federation (ZCF) Compound in Chisamba, after he pleaded guilty to one count of theft contrary to Section 272 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that on October 16, 2025, Matipa stole a 50 kilogram bag of onions belonging to Banda’s Farm in Chisamba.
Facts before the court are that a farm security guard ambushed and apprehended the accused as he attempted to hide the stolen onions in nearby bushes.
Upon his arrest, Matipa admitted that he had been stealing onions from the farm for two consecutive days to sell them and raise money to hire a tailoring machine for his business.
In court, the accused freely confessed to the charge under a warn-and-caution statement.
In passing sentence, Magistrate Litungi noted that the offence carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, but took into account that Matipa was a first offender who readily admitted the charge and showed remorse.
“The court recognises that the convict is a first offender who has admitted the charge and shown genuine regret,” Magistrate Litungi stated.
After considering mitigating factors, the magistrate sentenced Matipa to three months imprisonment with hard labour, effective October 22, 2025, but suspended the sentence for one year on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within that period.
