CHALI MULENGA, Livingstone
A20-YEAR-OLD pupil of Libuyu Community School in Livingstone has been sentenced to one-year imprisonment with hard labour by the Livingstone Magistrate’s Court for breaking into the school and stealing a bag of fertiliser worth K250.
This was in a case in which Brian Nsowa was charged with burglary and theft.
Facts before the court are that on November 9, this year, Nsowa, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, allegedly broke and entered into Libuyu Community School and stole a bag of fertiliser valued at K 250, the property of Charles Lifasi.
In mitigation, Nsowa asked the court for leniency, adding that he is a pupil who has regretted his action.
“I am asking the court to forgive me as I want to continue with my education. I’m requesting the court to give me a second chance,” he said.
In delivering judgment, Livingstone resident magistrate Chinkashi Chilingala said he would send the convict to jail as he was a danger to society.
Magistrate Chilingala wondered why Nsowa stole from the school that is providing him a service.
He lamented that the vice has become rampant in the tourist capital.
“I have considered your mitigation but it is the duty of the court to protect society. I have noted that you pleaded guilty to the charge and, therefore, you have not wasted the court’s time. I, therefore, convict you and sentence you accordingly. I am sending you to prison for 12 months with hard labour,” Mr Chilingala said.
Mr Chilingala granted the convict leave to appeal to the High Court within 14 days, if he was not happy with the sentence.