Man jailed for stealing ‘bamba’

MULENGA MUSONDA writes A 28 years old man has been slapped with a three months jail term by the Choma Magistrates Court for shoplifting boxer shorts worth more than K40. In this case Malambo Mukumbuta of Choma’s Mwapona Township stood charged with theft contrary to section 272 of the Penal Code of Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. Particulars of the offence were that Mukumbuta stole one male boxer shorts valued at K42 the property of Pep Stores, Choma Branch. The incident was said to have happened on May 8, 2020 in Chomadistrict of Southern Province. When he appeared for plea before Magistrate MuyambangoMunukayumbwa, the accused person willingly admitted the charge levelled against him without wasting the Courts time. According to facts presented by the State, Mukumbuta was spotted by a Shop Assistant hiding the merchandise in his pants before walking out of the Store. It was immediately after he stepped out of the Store that he was stopped and searched and  boxer shorts found concealed in his underwear. He was later taken to the Police were he was formally charged and arrested for the subject offence. Despite pleading guilty and complaining that there is not enough food at the Correctional Facility, Magistrate Munukayumbwa slapped him with three months imprisonment with hard labour stating that shoplifting cases are skyrocketing in the jurisdiction. The sentence was effective date of arrest and Mukumbuta was informed of his right to appeal to the High Court within 14 days if he was not happy. The Sun