Buyer testifies against duo in theft by servant case

JOHN KOMBE writes@SunZambian
A BUYER of stolen property has testified how two farm workers of waterfalls area in Chongwe used to supply him with turkeys believed to have been stolen from their employer.
Webster Mukota, 41 tetified against Charles Mwila, 29 and Benson Nyambe, 27 both employees of a Ms Rose Sakala.
This is in a matter where they are charged with theft by servant contrary to Section 272 and 278 of the penal code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia. They appeared for trial before magistrate Kabwe Tembo.
The two are alleged to have stolen 17 turkeys and other livestock and stock feed all valued at K108, 350.00. The offence is said to have happened on unknown dates, but between February and April 2020.
Mukota told the court that the duo used to sell turkeys to him and claimed that their employer had sent them.
He said he only discovered that the deals were not genuine when the duo hired him to transport maize bran which he reluctantly transported to an unidentified woman believed to be a buyer. Mukota said that he later reported the matter to police after he heard that the employer was complaining about loss of livestock.
During cross examination the duo each asked the witness whether it was then who sold him the turkeys and sold the maize bran. The witness confirmed that he was very sure of his claims.
The court ruled that the prosecution team had proved their case beyond any reasonable doubt. The court therefore found the duo with a court to answer and put them on defence.
The court adjourned the matter to November 11 for defence while the accused are on bail awaiting their next appearance in court.