L/stone businessman jailed for house breaking, stealing

——–A 26-year-old businessman of house number 25131/2444, Dambwa North Extension in Livingstone, has been sentenced to two and half years imprisonment with hard labour for house breaking and theft.

This was in a case in which Livingstone Resident Magistrate, Chinkashi Chilingala, charged Peter Phiri on two counts of house breaking and theft contrary to Sections 301 (a) and 272 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Phiri had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared for trial but later changed his plea to guilty.

Particulars of the offence are that Phiri, on January 1, 2014 in Livingstone district of the Southern Province of Zambia, did break and enter into the dwelling of Florence Zulu with intent to steal and did steal from therein four gents’ shirts, two coats, two t-shirts, one sweater, one gent’s pair of jeans and one sack bag.

Around 14:00hrs that day, the complainant, Florence Zulu secured her house by locking the doors and windows.

The accused was spotted at the house carrying a bag containing some items.

Upon seeing a gentleman passing by, he dropped the bag and fled but was apprehended and taken to Dambwa North Police Post.

The complainant, Zulu valued the items stolen at K305.00.

In mitigation, the accused showed remorse by asking for forgiveness from his family and the court and because he is a first offender.

 

Magistrate Chilingala exercised leniency and sentenced him to two and half years’ imprisonment with hard labour.