Charcoal trader in Itezhi-tezhi sentenced to 15 days community work

Charcoal trader in Itezhi-tezhi sentenced to 15 days community work

A- 25-year-old man of Shikaumbu village in Chief Kaingu’s Chiefdom in Itezhi Tezhi district in Central province has been sentenced to 15 days of community service after being convicted for unlawful possession of forestry product.

Before Magistrate Munalula Mubita was Victor Shikaumbu was charged with the offence of unlawful possession of forestry product without License from the Forestry Department contrary to the Forest Act, Cap 199 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that Shikaumbu on September 25 this year at in Itezhi Tezhi district did possess unlawfully a forestry product, namely 2 x 50 Kg bags of charcoal without authority from the forestry department.

Shikaumbu pleaded guilty to the offence and Itezhi Tezhi Magistrate convicted him upon his admission of the charge.

In passing judgment, Magistrates Munalula Mubita said that indiscriminate cutting of trees is on the rise in the district and that there was need to deter would be offenders as the act has adverse environmental consequences.

The Magistrate ordered that Shikaumbu performs community service at the forestry department and directed that he should undergo serious lessons on forestry conservation.

The Magistrate also ordered that Shikaumbu be made to water and care for the nursery at the forestry department and warned that failure to follow the court’s prescriptions will lead to an alternative sentence.

The court further ordered his bicycle that was carrying the bags of charcoal be forfeited to the state.