A 27 year old man of Musenga Township in Senior Chief Mwamba’s Chiefdom in Kasama District, has been sentenced to one year imprisonment with hard labor for theft.
Before Kasama Magistrate, Chapson Silwimba,was James Mwila, who was facing one count of theft contrary to Section 272 of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia.
This is in a matter that came up for presentation of facts.
Particulars of the offense were that on April 11, 2026, in Kasama, Mwila did steal a bicycle valued at K2, 500, the property of Roberto Mulenga.
The court heard that on the material day, the complainant had gone to visit his brother at a shop in Chikumanino market and left the bicycle parked outside the shop, and it was at that time that the convict stole it.
The court further heard that despite being spotted, Mwila did not stop riding the bicycle.
The matter was later reported to Kasama Central Police Station, leading to his apprehension.
He was interviewed in Bemba, a language he understands, and admitted to the charge.
In mitigation, Mwila pleaded for leniency with the court stating that he had learnt his lesson and would not repeat the offence.
He also informed the court that he owed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) K4, 000 and feared he would fail to repay the debt if imprisoned.
He added that his maize crop would go to waste and that he was on medication which he had not been taking since his arrest.
In passing sentence, Magistrate Silwimba considered the mitigation and noted that the convict was a first offender who pleaded guilty without wasting the court’s time.
The Magistrate, however, observed that being a sick person, having siblings, and being a farmer were factors Mwila should have considered before engaging in criminal activities.
“Leaving your home just to go and steal is worrying. You are the reason people can no longer leave their bicycles unattended at shops,” he said.
“At 27, you are energetic and capable of engaging in productive activities instead of stealing,” he added.
Magistrate Silwimba then sentenced Mwila to one year imprisonment with hard labor, effective the date of arrest.
He also ordered that the bicycle be returned to its rightful owner and warned that society cannot continue living in fear due to such criminal
