‘I stole a drum, don’t know about planks’

MULENGA MUSONDA writes A 22-YEAR-OLD Bricklayer pleaded guilty in the Choma Magistrates Court to stealing a drum worth more than K500 In this case Cryford Hamatuli stood charged with Theft contrary to section 272 of Chapter 87 of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia. Particulars of the offence are that Hamatuli on 29 March 2020 in Choma stole 1 drum and 5 planks all valued at K542 the property of Anderson Banda. When he appeared for plea before Magistrate Muyambango Munukayumbwa, he admitted to stealing the drum but disputed to ever having anything to do with the planks. Court: Do you understand the charge read to you? Hamatuli: Yes Court: How do you plead? Hamatuli: I admit to stealing the Drum and not the planks. In fact the Drum was taken back by the owner. Court: Did you take away the said drum?  Hamatuli: Yes Court: Did the owner allow you? Hamatuli: No Court: Did you have any claim of right? Hamatuli: No Court: What did you intend to do with it? Hamatuli: I wanted to be using it in my brick moulding business. Court: I enter of guilty. After entering a plea of guilty Magistrate Munukayumbwa adjourned the matter to 27th April 2020 for facts. Hamatuli was remanded in custody. The Sun