The Mbala Magistrate Court has sentenced a 21 year old man of Mbala to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for housebreaking and theft.

Before Mbala Resident Magistrate, Kennedy Nkundwe, was Chela Sipanje who was facing one count of housebreaking and theft contrary to section 265 and 301 of the Penal Code, of the Laws of Zambia. 

Facts before the court were that Sipanje stole three by 50 kg bags of maize, three bowls of beans and one blanket valued at K3, 470.

Magistrate Nkundwe, in his ruling, stated that the prosecution had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Sipanje unlawfully broke into Nayame’s home and stole the items.

In his mitigation, Sipanje pleaded for leniency, saying he was a first offender and has a health condition, adding that his hypertension often makes him weak.

He told the court that he is taking care of his disabled brother and sister and an aging father. 

“I am not good at explaining myself, but I take care of my family, and I ask for mercy,” Sipanje said.

In passing judgement, Magistrate Nkundwe said he had taken into consideration his mitigation but that theft and housebreaking are serious offenses. 

He, however, stated that the court has taken into consideration that he is the first offender and given the convict a lesser sentence.

“The law prescribes a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment for such an offence, but since you’re a first offender, I will exercise some leniency and sentence you to 12 months with hard labour,” Magistrate Nkundwe said.