CHRISTINE CHIHAME, Kitwe
THE Kitwe Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 23-year-old radio repairer of Kitwe to three months imprisonment with hard labour for stealing a home theatre system from his client.
Magistrate Kampinda Chipamu handed out the sentence to Twiza Ng’ambi – of no fixed abode but in Kitwe’s Chamboli township – who was facing one count of theft.
Ng’ambi, on dates unknown but between January 1 and December 30, 2012 in Kitwe, stole Steven Chola’s home theatre system valued at K700.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, magistrate Chipamu said cases of theft are on the increase in Kitwe and there is need to send a message to would-be offenders.
“Next time a client brings his property for repair, you should do as required and not stealing. I sentence you to three months imprisonment with hard labour and if you are not happy with my conviction, you can appeal to the High Court within 14 days,” magistrate Chipamu said.
During trial, Mr Chola told the court that he took his home theatre to Ng’ambi for repair.
Ng’ambi disappeared with the music system but when Mr Chola met him a month later and asked about his property, he was assured that he was still repairing it.
It was then that Mr Chola decided to report the matter to the police and Ng’ambi was arrested and charged with the subject offence.