THE Itezhi -Tezhi magistrate’s court has convicted and sentenced a 25-year-old man of Itezhi –Tezhi district to five years in prison with hard labour for stealing his brother’s cow valued at K4, 000.
Mr Watson Mweemba convicted Shanyuka who hails from Chikaza Munyama chiefdom in Itezhi -Tezhi who was charged with stock theft contrary to Section 275(1) and 272 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence allege that Reagan Shanyuka, on February 12, 2023 in Itezhi-Tezhi, did steal one head of cattle valued at K4, 000, the property of Saviour Shanyuka, 56, of Mukobela chiefdom in Namwala .
Shanyuka pleaded not guilty to the offence but was found with a case to answer.
In his defence, Shanyuka maintained that he did not steal one cow as alleged by the prosecution.
He explained that he was dying of hunger and had asked his brother Saviour Shanyuka for money to help him, but when help was not forthcoming, he decided to sell one cow.
In mitigation, Shanyuka asked the court to be as lenient as possible, stating that he was married with four children and caring for his widowed mother, who would suffer if he was sent to prison.
He also requested that if the court imposes a custodial sentence, he be sent to Namwala Prison and not anywhere else.
And passing sentence, Magistrate Mweemba said that he considered all what he said in mitigation and that he was a first offender who deserved leniency but said the offence of stock theft was a very serious one and prevalent in Itezhi-Tezhi.
“The offence you committed is a very serious one and very prevalent in this district, I therefore sentence you to five years in prison with hard labour with effect from the date of 10 February 2023.” Mr Mweemba ordered. – ZANIS.
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