CHARLES MUSONDA writes
A MAN convicted of criminal trespass last Friday pleaded with the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court not to give him a custodial sentence because he had learnt bitter lessons while in remand custody.
In this case, Frederick Mwenya had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge but when the case came up for commencement of trial, he told the court that he did not hear the statement and particulars of offence clearly.
After Magistrate Racheal Mwansa read out the charge again, Mwenya changed his plea and admitted the offence.
Particulars were that on December 14, 2018 in Lusaka, Mwenya unlawfully entered the residential premises of one Patrick Musukwa in Meanwood area with intent to steal.
Facts were that on the material day, a Mr. Dominic Gondwe was going to his garden when he came across three men, among them Mwenya, jumping over Mr. Musukwa’s electric wire fence.
Upon being asked what they were doing, the three told Mr. Gondwe that they wanted to use the toilet but he was not convinced. They opted to flee but Mr. Gondwe gave chase and managed to catch Mwenya who later admitted the offence at the police. In mitigation, Mwenya said he has learnt a lot of lessons in prison and that he had never slept since he was remanded in
