5 DENY STEALING BREAD, CAKES, DOUGHNUT

RABECCA BANDA writes FIVE Lusaka men accused of stealing goods worth K2,753 property of Fortune Foods Limited have denied the charge. Appearing at the magistrate court before magistrate Martha Miti was Jasper Haaindu, 36, of Meanwood, Irvin Malunga, 25, of Kaunda Square, Chrispin Mulenga, 34, of Zingalume, Eric Sichinga Chipata compound and Sydney Swana, 22, of Chipata compound stole goods worth K2,753 from Fortune  foods limited. On dates unknown but between January 21 and January 27, whilst acting together with others unknown did steal instant vanilla sponge, instant chocolate sponge, one doughnut, cheddar cheese, 63 kg cake flour,  157 loaves of bread and others items all worth K2,753. This was when the matter come up for bench warrant in respect of Sydney Swana. Magistrate: Why were you not coming to court? Swana: I was sick. Magistrate: What illness do you have? Swana: I have sugar. Magistrate: Where did you go for treatment? Swana: In Livingstone. Magistrate: Why didn’t you go to UTH? Swana: When I was fired from my job, I had nowhere to live and I decided to go to my parents in Livingstone and seek treatment there. Magistrate: where you not aware that you had a matter in court? Swana: I was aware but I thought it was resolved after the meeting we had with the complainant. Magistrate: Where are the documents showing that you went treatment at a hospital in Livingstone? Swana: I don’t have the documents. Magistrate Miti said Swana was lying because if truly he went to Livingstone for treatment, he would have presented the medical documents to the court. Magistrate Miti entered a plea of not guilty in respect of the five accused persons even though Malunga admitted stealing some items and not everything on the list. She said she cannot separate the items because the accused person are jointly charged and going to trial will prove whether they are guilty or innocent.  The matter comes up on June 6 for trial. The Sun