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HomeCourt NewsLIVINGSTONE MAN STEALS FROM MOTHER

LIVINGSTONE MAN STEALS FROM MOTHER

A 31-year-old man of Livingstone has been convicted and sentenced to nine months imprisonment for stealing household goods worth over K6, 000 from his mother.

Mebelo Lubinda, a Livingstone resident aged 31 and unemployed, appeared in the Livingstone Magistrate Court for plea before Southern Province Chief Resident Magistrate Exnobert Zulu.

Mebelo appeared before court for one count of burglary and theft contrary to section 301(a) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Facts before court were that on 18th December 2020, Mebelo did break and enter into the house of his mother Mubukwanu Lubinda around 19:00 hours and stole four blankets, 20 plates, seven pots, a hosepipe, a decoder, satellite dish, four handbags an adaptor and assorted cables worth K6, 125.

Mebelo tried to use a key to gain entry to his mother’s house but when he failed, he broke the lock and forced the door open.

At the time the offence was committed, his mother was visiting her sister Kabutu Lubinda in Maramba Township, within Livingstone district.

It was only on December 31st, 2020 that Ms. Lubinda was informed about the theft when she called one of her tenants to check the status of her property.

She reported the matter to the police and investigations led to the arrest of Mebelo on 20th January, 2021 and property worth K1, 270 was recovered.

When taking plea, Mebelo pleaded guilty and in mitigation, asked for lenience from the court adding that he was compelled to steal because he needed money to pay rentals and for a bus fare to Mansa to attend a job interview.

Mebelo further said he had a child who would suffer if he was sent to prison.

And in passing judgement, Chief Resident Magistrate Exnobert Zulu said Mebelo’s mother has had enough of him hence she reported the matter to police and have him charged for the subject offence.

Mr. Zulu was concerned that at his age, Mebelo still wanted to be a nuisance to his mother.

The magistrate further said he had trouble believing Mebelo’s claims about the job interview due to the inconsistencies in his statement to the court.

“Lies have a short lifespan. I have been doing this job for a long time and I can tell you are a problem and that is why your mother brought you to court. I have considered your mitigation and the fact that you are a first offender and readily admitted to the charge,” he said.

Magistrate Zulu however said Mebelo was dishonest, harboured anger and kept blaming his mother for his own mistakes.

He urged Mebelo to grow up and act responsibly especially that he was a parent.

Magistrate Zulu said the offence Mebelo had committed was a serious one and he could be jailed for up to 10 years. He however sentenced the offender to nine months imprisonment and hoped he would use the time to reform, work hard and live a lifestyle that was within his means once he was released from prison

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