JOIN DRIVERN TAXI AS PARTNER DRIVER TODAY!
NOTE TO EDITORS
Kindly note that the story below has been resent because the earlier had a mix-up in names in paragraph four, instead of Pastor Shimulundu it read Pastor Chanda.. Sorry for the inconvenience.
EDITOR ON DUTY
Pastor in court for stealing fertilizer
Chinsali, January 15, 2014, ZANIS …A 34 – year- old pastor of a named
church in Chinsali district has pleaded guilty to one count of theft by servant.
Appearing before magistrate Shaderick Chanda for plea yesterday was
Ontario Shimulundu charged with one count of stealing 81 x 50
kilogram bags of both Urea and D compound fertilizers contrary to the
laws of Zambia.
Particular of the offence were that Pastor Shimulundu of Chandamali
Village in Chinsali Muchinga province on the dates unknown did steal
81 x 50 kg of Urea and basal dressing fertilizers meant for farmers of a
co-operative society.
The fertiliser came into Pastor Shimulundu’s possession by virtue of him
being the District Cooperative Union Manager for Chinsali District.
Pastor Shimulundu pleaded guilty to the charge adding that that he did
what he did because he had a readily available market for the same
commodity in Nakonde district where fertilizers were selling like hot
cakes at the black market.
Earlier before taking plea, the state tried to have the matter
withdrawn on grounds that the affected members of the cooperative had
an application to make but the court threw out the application.
In throwing out the application, the court stated that the cooperative
members had ample time to decide on the matter and make an application
in good time saying they should have done that while the matter was
still in the hands of the police.
Magistrate Chanda also stated that the other reason for throwing out
an application to have the matter withdrawn is due to the seriousness
of the matter especially that the fertilizer allegedly stolen is
property of the Government.
The matter has been adjourned to tomorrow for facts and possible sentencing.
Pastor Shimulundu has meanwhile been remanded in police custody.
