Kitwe Man Jailed 3years With Hard Labour For Stealing Curtains Worth K360

By CHRISTINE CHIHAME
A MAN of Ipusukukilo in Kitwe has been sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour by the Kitwe Magistrate’s Court for stealing two curtains worth K360.
This is in a case in which Peter Chabala, 28, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft.
The offence is contrary to Section 301 of the Penal Code chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that Chabala on May 28, last year, in Kitwe, broke into Jonathan Chanda’s house and stole two curtains worth K360.
When the matter came up for plea before magistrate Kampinda Chipamu on Wednesday, Chabala admitted the charge.
“I entered through the window and I stole two curtains and I sold them at K50 each … I used the money to pay for my rentals,” Chabala said.
Mrs Chipamu said that she was satisfied with the facts read before her and convicted Chabala
“I sentence you to three years imprisonment with hard labour with effect from today [Wednesday] and if you are not happy with what I have done, you can appeal to the High Court within 14 days.” Mrs Chipamu said.
Facts before the court are on the material day, Mr Chanda was studying in his bedroom when he heard a noise in the sitting room.
The court heard that when Mr Chanda went to check what was happening, he discovered that the window was open and the curtains had been stolen.
The court heard that after a few days, Mr Chanda saw his neighbour washing his curtains and when he inquired, she told him that she bought them from Chabala.
The court heard that the matter was reported to Riverside Police Station and Chabala was arrested.