Cow thief jailed 5 years

MULENGA MUSONDA writes@SunZambian A 27 years old man of Sinazongwe district has been sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour for stealing a Cow valued at K4,000.In this matter Stanley Micheelo of Shapaka Village stood charged with Stock Theft Contrary to the Laws of Zambia.Particulars of the offence are that Micheelo stole 1 Cow valued at K4,000 the property of Lweeta Hamambile.The theft occured on September 15 , 2020 in Choma district of southern province.When he appeared for plea , the accused through the Court interpreter Munika Mwananshiku, repeatedly and sorrowfully admitted the charge against him compelling the Court to record a plea of guilty.According to the facts dictated by Public Prosecutor Dexter Kwalela, the accused was apprehended by a Neighbourhood watchman after he was seen driving the animal suspiciously.Despite being a first offender and pleading guilty, Resident Magistrate Ethel Phiri sentenced the accused person to the minimum mandatory 5 years imprisonment term with hard labour .Micheelo was informed of his right to appeal to the High Court within 14 days if he was not happy with the ruling. The Sun