Jail beckons for handbag snatcher

By MULENGA MUSONDA A 25-YEAR-OLD general worker has been found with a case to answer in a matter he is accused of snatching a handbag containing important documents from a Bar Lady  Choma Resident Magistrate Salie Kanunka found Tapson Choonga with a case to answer after the state proved their prima facie case against him in a matter he is charged with theft contrary to the Laws of Zambia.  Allegations are that Choonga stole a handbag containing a liquor license, national registration card photocopy, receipts, quotations and K2, 550 cash all valued at K3, 010 the property of Ms Esther Kunabantu. The alleged theft is said to have occurred on January 13, 2021 in Choma. When the matter came up for continued trial, Detective Constable Aston Chivanga testified that Ms Kunabantu filed a complaint on January 12, 2021 to the Police to the effect that, as she was closing her liquor store, Choonga, who seemed to be in a drunken stupor resisted to leave the premises. He said, Choonga then grabbed Ms Kunabantu’s handbag and took to his heels. Efforts to pursue him proved futile as he was fast and quickly disappeared. Ms Kunabantu and people who witnessed the incident managed to track Choonga at his house in the early hours of the following day and found the documents that were in the handbag in his house. The hearing continues on March 2, 2021 for defence. Choonga is on Police bond.