I stole the cattle, but…

John Kombe writes@sunzambianA 32 year old peasant farmer of Lupenga village in Rufunsa pleaded not guilty to stealing a cow belongingto his neighbour.Ignatius Mvula was appearing in Chongwe magistrate court for stock theft contrary to Section 275 of thepenal code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia. He appeared before magistrate Majory Saasa.It is alleged that on 17th July the accused did steal one cow belonging to Dauti Chisanga of the samevillage. The animal was valued at K5, 000. 00.The accused told the court that he only stole three animals he believed belonged to another neighbour,Elias Mwanza. He claimed that he was not aware that one of the three animals belonged to Chisanga. Hesubmitted that he had since paid Mwanza for the animals he stole.In his testimony Mwanza admitted being paid for his two animals. He however stated that the accusedknew that the third animal belonged to Chisanga who refused to negotiate with the accused.Chisanga told the court that unlike Mwanza, he refused to settle the matter outside court and hence thematter before court.A third witness testified that the accused did take three cows for custody in his kraal where a buyer latercollected them from.And a forth witness testified that he helped the accused find a buyer for the three animals. He submittedthat he, at that time believed that the animals belonged to the accused. He however told the court that hewas later alerted of the loss of three animals at Mwanza’s farm. He stated that he then helped toapprehend the accused who admitted to stealing the animals.The court adjourned the matter to September 30 for continued trial while the accused is on bail awaitinghis next appearance in court. The Sun