Chisamba Magistrate Court has sentenced two men to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour for stealing a 10-metre armoured cable valued at K20,000.
Magistrate Litungi Litungi, convicted and sentenced Steven Phiri, 45, and Grayson Bwalya, 26, both of the Chikonkomene area in Chisamba District after pleading guilty to the charge.
On June 19, 2026, the duo allegedly stole a 10-meter armoured cable valued at K20,000, belonging to Chumene Farm, contrary to Section 272 of the Penal Code.
Magistrate Litungi convicted them as charged following their guilty plea and admission of facts.
In his mitigation, Phiri told the court that he and his mother were diabetic, adding that he is a widower solely responsible for the care of his child.
Bwalya pleaded for leniency, stating that he is an orphan who cares for his only sister and his disabled grandmother.
Magistrate Litungi sentenced the convicts to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour, with effect from July 3, 2026.
Following an initial report at the Chisamba Police Station, police launched an investigation that led to the apprehension of two suspects, Steven Phiri and Grayson Bwalya, in connection with the theft of the armoured cable.
The suspects were detained and subsequently charged after confessing to the offense, following the administration of a warn and caution statement in Nyanja.
However, the court heard that nothing has been recovered.
The convicts have been granted 14 days to appeal the verdict.
