By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
A 45-year-old tinsmith who has been dragged to court for damaging 26 desks worth K7,800, property of a primary school in Chirundu has pleaded guilty in the Lusaka High Court.
When the matter came up for plea before Justice Mathew Chisunka, Danny Lifumbo pleaded guilty to one count of malicious damage to property.
Particulars of the offence are that on the dates unknown but between 1 and 29 January, 2020 at Chirundu district of Lusaka, Mr Lifumbo willfully and unlawfully did damage 26 desks amounting to K7, 800 of Johann Myburgh Primary School.
Facts are that on January 29 around, 07:00 hours, a school staff member Vernon Chinga during inspection of all classes discovered that 26 desks were damaged which prompted him to call the Parent Teachers Association and the building committee.
Investigations were instituted which led to the apprehension of Mr Lifumbo who was found making pots from the same metals from the desks and he admitted to having damaged the same property.
Justice Chisunka convicted the accused accordingly after his admission that the facts were correct and he was guilty.
In mitigation, read by Legal Aid Board counsel Kambone Bukali, Mr Lifumbo pleaded with the court to exercise maximum leniency as he was a first offender, remorseful and did not waste the court’s time and resources by readily admitting to the offence.
“My lord, the now convict has been in custody for four months, which period has taught him a better lesson. He promises to live a crime free life and be a better citizen. The now offence he’s been charged it’s a misdemeanor and the conviction is liable if no other punishment is provided to imprisonment for two years,” said counsel Bukali.
Justice Chisunka reserved ruling in the matter to 5 August, 2020.
