SERIAL THIEF LOCKED UP 36 MONTHS

By MULENGA MUSONDA A  HABITUAL thief in Choma has proved that old habits die hard.   Three days after being convicted and placed on community service, 21-year-old Charles Mukonka broke into a house and stole beddings among other items.  This prompted Choma Principal Resident Magistrate Idah Mupemo to slap him with a three-year jail term for being incorrigible. Ms Mupemo in convicting Mukonka,of Sibanyati area in Choma deemed him to be a misfit in society who deserved to be in prison. In this matter, Mukonka appeared in the Choma Magistrates Court charged with one count of house breaking and theft. Particulars of the offence are that Mukonka on February 5, 2021 in Choma broke into Mr Reuben Muchanga’s house and stole his axe, a blanket, pillow and T-shirts all valued at K550.  When he appeared for plea, Mukonka admitted the charge saying he wanted to sell the items so that he could buy food. According to the facts stated by Public Prosecutor Pearson Chilumbu, Mukonka was apprehended by Neighbourhood watchmen with the stolen items. In passing the sentence Magistrate Mupemo considered the fact that he is a second offender who appeared not to be receptive to reformation. She sentenced him to three years imprisonment with hard labour.