By MULENGA MUSONDA
A CHOMA bricklayer who pleaded guilty to stealing two cell phones told the court that he wanted to be using the handsets.
The new convict made the revelation to the court before he was slapped with 30 days community service.
Appearing before the Choma Magistrates Court was Joseph Kamwanda, 34, a bricklayer of Choma’s Kamunza Township who stood charged with theft of Viwa and Infinix handsets.
Particulars of the offence are that Kamwanda on 8 February 2020 in Choma stole two cell phones valued at K1,600 belonging to Lucky Sikaale.
When the matter came up for facts before resident Magistrate Ethel Phiri, the state stated said on the material day, the complainant went to leave some forms at a named school using a bicycle.
The State said when he reached the school premises he left his two phones in the bicycle basket and proceeded to leave his forms in the office but upon return he discovered that the phones were missing.
He then reported the matter to the police who upon investigations tracked the two handsets to Kawanda.
Kawanda was later apprehended and charged for the offence.
Court: Have you heard the facts?
Kawanda: Yes
Court: Are they true and correct?
Kawanda: Yes
Court: Is there anything you would wish to add or subtract from the facts?
Kawanda: No
Court: Upon your own admission of the facts to be true and correct, I hereby find you guilty in your own admission and convict you accordingly.
Magistrate Phiri then sentenced Kawanda to 6 Months imprisonment but suspended the sentence for 12 months.
She also placed Kawanda on 30 days community service and in the event that he defaults he would serve 3 months simple imprisonment.
Man admits stealing two mobile phones
