A 27-year-old man of Musenga Township in Senior Chief Mwamba’s Chiefdom in Kasama District, has been sentenced to one year imprisonment with hard labor for theft.

Before Kasama Magistrate, Chapson Silwimbawas James Mwila who was facing one count of theft.

Particulars of the offense were that on April 11, 2026, in Kasama, Mwila did steal a bicycle valued at K2, 500, the property of Roberto Mulenga.

The court heard that on the material day, the complainant had gone to visit his brother at a shop in Chikumanino Market and left the bicycle parked outside the shop, and it was at that time that the convict stole it.

The matter was later reported to Kasama Central Police Station, leading to his apprehension.

He was interviewed in Bemba and admitted the charge.

In mitigation, Mwila informed the court that he owed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) K4,000 and feared he would fail to repay the debt if imprisoned.

He added that his maize crop would go to waste and that he was on medication, which he had not been taking since his arrest.

In passing sentence Magistrate Silwimba however, observed that being a sick person, having siblings, and being a farmer were factors Mwila should have considered before engaging in criminal activities.

“At 27, you are energetic and capable of engaging in productive activities instead of stealing,” he added.

Magistrate Silwimba then sentenced Mwila to one year imprisonment with hard labor, effective the date of arrest.