SERIAL THIEF TO GET LIFE SKILL IN 36 MONTHS PRISON TERM

By Mulenga Musonda A  20 years old youth will not only  work tirelessly in the Prison Gardens,  he will also acquire a skill of choice in the three years period that he will remain incarcerated. Frank Zimba, who the members of the public may term a ‘misfit’ to society for breaking into people’s house’s has been accorded an opportunity by the Choma Magistrates Court to transform his life by coming out of Prison with skills that will help him contribute meaningfully to the country. In this matter Frank Zimba who was jointly charged with Gracia Mukuka stood charged with Housebreaking and Theft contrary to the Laws of Zambia. Particulars of the offence are that on April 24, in Choma, the two broke into Chimwemwe Kabwe’s house and stole 1 Television Set, Control Boxes, 1 Radio, 1 Laptop among other valuables valued at K25, 000 the property of the named Kabwe. When the matter came up for plea before Senior Resident Magistrate Peter Mungala,  Mukuka vehemently denied the allegation whilst his co accused Zimba without hesitation admitted to breaking into the complainant’s house. In accordance with the facts stated by Public Prosecutor Ebby Kahale,  Zimba was apprehended after the police received intelligence information that he was seen offloading household goods at his home during odd hours. A Television worth k15, 000 and a Radio Cassette were recovered while other properties could not be located. Despite Zimba pleading that he regretted his action and should not be given a custodial sentence, Magistrate Mungala sent him to Prison for 3 years with hard labour so he can reform and be a better citizen.