Lusaka burglar jailed 9 months with hard labour

By LUCY PHIRI

A MAN has been sentenced to nine months imprisonment with hard labour for breaking into a building where he stole properties worth K5, 500.Albert Lumbala appeared before Lusaka magistrate Fine Mayambu and pleaded guilty to breaking into a building and committing a felony.Facts are that on December 27, 2023 around 04:00 hours the complainant went to his shop to start his routine and he received a call that his shop was broken into. The complainant rushed to his storeroom and confirmed. As he approached his shop he found a certain lady who informed him that she had information of the thieves. She gave the complainant the information and went to report to the police.The complainant disclosed that the accused took the items – a blender, an electric kettle among others – valued at K5, 500.The court found him guilty and convicted him accordingly.In mitigation, Lumbala asked for forgiveness, saying that he had learnt his lesson.”I am asking for forgiveness, I have learnt my lesson, taking someone to jail is not the only solution but give advice,” he said.Magistrate Mayambu said he has taken note that the accused is a first offender who deserves leniency.”I have taken into account what the accused said and did not waste the court’s time. However this is a serious offence and has become rampant. The offence is rampant, people are not sleeping and the court has a duty to send a warning to would-be offenders. And you are a good example, I will have leniency because this offence carries a heavier punishment. Breaking in the night? If you want money work for it or borrow unlike going to steal.”I sentence you to nine months imprisonment with hard labour,” the magistrate ruled.