THE Magistrate court in Kasama District has found two juveniles with a case to answer.

This is in a case in which the two were appearing before Magistrate Benita Nkonde for plea in which the duo pleaded guilty to theft contrary to Section 272 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence were that on November 9, 2024, the two juveniles, while acting together, stole two metal septic tank lids valued at K5, 000, the property of Clarence Chisha.

In mitigation, the 14 year old offender pleaded for forgiveness, saying he regrets action and is remorseful for the action.

On the other hand, the  13 year  offender apologised for his action adding that in future he will do peace works to raise money.

In the matter, Magistrate Benita Nkonde questioned guardians of both juveniles about the children’s behaviour and the measures they were taking to address it.

In response the guardian of the 14-year-old juvenile offender explained to the court that she was unaware of the child’s actions, as he had left home around 06:00 hours on the day of the theft.

She pleaded with the court to forgive him, adding that she would closely monitor his activities.

She also acknowledged that the juvenile was a second offender and promised to surrender him to the State if he is found with the case again.

And the guardian of the 13 year old offender requested assistance from social welfare services to help care for the child.

She explained that the juvenile’s parents are both alcoholics, and that his mother, who remarried, has abandoned the child.

Magistrate Nkonde has since reserved sentencing to 27 December 2024, to allow for a social welfare report.