Matumbo man put on defense

Matumbo man put on defense

Chinsali,  August 13, 2014, ZANIS… A man of Matumbo village in Chief Chibesakunda’s area of Shiwang’andu district charged with one count of breaking into a building has appeared in the Chinsali Magistrate Court for trial.

Appearing before Magistrate Shedrick Chanda today was Taras Chendela charged with one count of breaking into a building.

Facts before the court were that Chendela while acting with others unknown did break into a building and committed a felony there in contrary to section 303 (a) and (b) and section 272 chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

The court heard that Chendela whilst acting with others unknown on 24 July 2014 did break into a shop belonging to Ruth Mwaka Namfukwe and stole assorted goods valued at K19,300.00

Magistrate Chanda found Chendela with a case to answer though he pleaded not guilty to the charge leveled against him.

And a state witness  Detective Sergeant Brital Mujuku said while he was on duty on 25 July 2014 he received a complaint from Ruth Mwaka Nanfumkwe that her shop had been broken into.

Sergeant Mujuku said findings after visiting the scene of crime were that entry was gained through the front door after the locking system was damaged and that a sharp metal bar must have been used to damage the lock.

Sergeant Mujuku said investigations were then instituted and that while he was in town he noticed a  man driving a private vehicle and suspected him to be the offender because he appeared nervous.

He said he followed Chendela until he branched off to Titanic Guest House where he had booked two rooms with his friend.

Sergeant Mujuku said after observing him while he was in company of his friend, he decided to interrogate the two men as to what they were doing in Chinsali .

He said Chendela who registered at the guest house using fake names responded that they were in Chinsali to get a death certificate for their friend who had died.

Sergeant Mujuku said he got more suspicious for the reason that a death certificate is only issued to family members and not friends.

He further said that he ordered the two men to lead him to the room they had booked were he found two sack bags and a 90kg sack with cloths inside.

The Sergeant said Chendela was apprehended while his counterpart escaped before Police Officers noticed.

And Ruth Mwaka Namfukwe said she locked her shop before knocking  off around 18: 00hrs on 24 July 2014 adding that the next morning she found her shop was broken into and reported the matter to the police.

Magistrate Chanda has s adjourned the matter to 20 August 2014 for defense and remanded Chendela in custody.