SIMON MUNTEMBA writes
@SunZambian
A 21-year old woman identified as Violet Phiri of Ibex Compound in Mbang’ombe Chiefdom in Katete has been sentenced to two years simple imprisonment for child stealing.
According to Katete District Magistrate Elias Sakala, Ms Phiri was charged with an offence of child stealing contrary to section 171 (1) (a) of the Penal Code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that Ms Phiri on January 16, 2019 in Katete District, with intent to deprive Charity Nyirenda of a child under the age of 16 who was under her lawful care did forcibly take the said child.
On the said day, Ms Phiri stole the child who was by then 12 days old around 09:00 hours from Ms Nyirenda in Lupande Farms under Chief Mbag’ombe’s Cheifdom.
The said matter happened while they were cultivating in the field when Ms Phiri told Ms Nyirenda to say she was tired and wanted to go home and prepare food.
Ms Phiri then asked Ms Nyirenda if she could go with the child to prepare the food while Ms Nyirenda remained in the field
After stealing the child, Ms Phiri came to Katete and that is where she was apprehended from on the same day.
In her plea, she asked the court to exercise lenience as she had a five year old child at home under her care.
And in response, presiding over the matter, Katete District Magistrate Elias Sakala said her offence was a serious one.
“The offence of child stealing is a felony therefore a very serious offence, it attracts a sentence of 14 years, but you being a first offender I will exercise the lenience due. I therefore sentence the convict to two years simple imprisonment,” Mr Sakala said.
