Zambia: Two men from Chavuma District have been sentenced to five years imprisonment for livestock theft. Both the convicts are 39 years old and have been given sentences with hard labour.
The convicts allegedly stole 14 animals valued at K56,000. The convicts have been identified as Chinyemba Kaumba and Samuheto Kaumba. They were facing seven counts of stock theft in which they stole seven bulls, three cows and four oxen.
As per the officials, the robberies were conducted by seven different people in the district. The offences happened between 19th September 2021 and 20th September 2021 in Chavuma district.
Further, the suspects were convicted and committed to the high court for sentencing by the Zambezi Magistrate Court.
The two suspects appeared for sentencing before Solwezi High Court Judge, Obister Musukwa on Thursday. They were given a five-year jail term for each of the seven counts which will run concurrently.
Justice Musukwa revealed during the sentencing cases of stock theft are becoming common in the province. Accordingly, the court has to impose custodial sentences to deter other such incidents.
“Having perused through the record of proceedings from the court below, I am satisfied that the conviction was proper,” Justice Musukwa said.
He said the two should have raised their own animals if they wanted to own livestock rather than resort to stealing from others.
“I hereby sentence you to five years imprisonment with hard labour in each of the seven counts, this is because you are first offenders so the sentences will run concurrently with effect from date of arrest,” Justice Musukwa said.
In another incident, 21-year-old Suspecy, identified as Bernard Fumbelo and a resident of Manyinga District, was also sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labor. He was convicted for stealing an Ox valued at K8,000.
Fumbelo stole Steward Mangenda’s animal on an unknown date between 27 and 28 September 2022 in Manyinga.
“I have noted the circumstances under which the offence was committed but given the rise in cases of this nature, the court is duty bound to impose custodial sentences on offenders,” Justice Musukwa stated.