‘I stole because of my ill son’

By MULENGA MUSONDAA 40-year-old man told the Choma Magistrates Court that he shoplifted a bluetooth speaker from a Chinese supermarket because he wanted to take his ill son to hospital.This was in a matter in which Elijah Phiri a bricklayer of Choma is charged with theft contrary to the Laws of Zambia.Particulars of the offence are that Phiri on April 16 2020 in Choma stole 1 bluetooth speaker valued at K280 the property of Easy Home Supermarket.When Phiri appeared for plea before Magistrate Muyambango Munukayumbwa Friday morning, he admitted allegations made against him.Court: Do you understand the charge read to you?Phiri: I understandCourt: How do you plead?Phiri: I admitCourt: Did you take away the said Speaker?Phiri: YesCourt: Where was it?Phiri: It was in the shopCourt: What time was it?Phiri: It was around 10:00hrsCourt: Did the owner allow you?Phiri: NoCourt: Did you have any claim of right?Phiri: NoCourt: What did you intend to do with it?Phiri: I had no money and I wanted to take my son to the hospital.Magistrate Munukayumbwa entered a guilty plea and adjourned the matter to April 27 2020 for facts.Phiri was remanded in custody.