By Isaac Zulu
The Kapiri Mposhi Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 36-year-old man to five years imprisonment with Hard labour for stealing 28 goats.
Before magistrate Brenda Chiganda was Robson Mudenda of Riverside Township who is an electrician by profession.
It is alleged that Mudenda on October 9, 2023 stole 28 goats, the property of Liberty Mwananjelikwa; all valued at K28,000, contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
The goats have since been recovered to their full value.
When the matter came up, Mudenda pleaded not guilty to the charge of stock theft.
He told court that he stole the goats with a view to go and sell them at Kasumbalesa border.
In mitigation, Mudenda asked the court to exercise lenience on him, saying he is a breadwinner and has health complications.
But magistrate Chiganda said Mudenda had no lawful justification to steal the goats from Mwananjelikwa.
She also said the Court has taken into account what Mudenda said in mitigation, but said stock theft is a serious offence.
Magistrate Chiganda said in order to deter would be offenders, the Court has a responsibility to mete out a custodial sentence.
She then sentenced Mudenda to five years imprisonment with hard labour.
