18 MONTHS HARD LABOUR FOR SERIAL CHOMA THIEFS

MULENGA MUSONDA writes A 22-YEAR-OLD man of Choma who pleaded guilty to breaking into someone’s house and looting property worth over K45,000 and claimed that he wanted to use the money for rentals and food has been convicted and will serve 18 months in jail. In this case Justin Mundenda  was jointly charged with PhiniasMuchindu, 38, and Memo Kanini, 34, in two counts of Burgalry and Theft . Particulars of the offence in count 1 is that the three jointly and whilst acting together allegedly broke into the dwelling house of NganduMuyangali and stole therein a Fridge, Generator, Water Pump, 3 Invetors among other Household goods all valued at K31,350. In the second count of Theft, it is alleged that the trio stole 3 Solar Panels all valued at K17,610 the property of Ngandu Muyangali. The alleged Burglary and Thefts are said to have happened between 17 and 18 April 2020 in Choma district. When the matter came up for statement of Facts in respect of Mudendawho admitted the charge, Magistrate Muyambango Munukayumbwafound him guilty in his own admission after he acknowledged that the facts of the offence were true and correct. According to the facts, Mudenda was apprehended after the taxi driver he booked to ferry the stolen property to town was intercepted by Choma Police Officers. This was after they received a tip off from concerned members of the public. Mudenda then led the officers in the bush were the rest of the properties were recovered. Magistrate Munukayumbwa thus sentenced Mudenda to 18 months each with hard labour in both counts but with the relief that the two sentences will run concurrently. Immediately after sentencing Mundenda, his co accused PhiniasMuchindu changed his plea and pleaded guilty. The Court then set May 5 for Muchindu’s Facts and commencement trial in respect of Kanini who has continued to deny the charge The two were remanded in custody. The Sun