The trial of a 39-year-old man of Lusaka charged with housebreaking and theft has commenced in the Chisamba Subordinate Court. Francis Ndameka, of Chibolya Compound in Lusaka, earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge before Magistrate Litungi Litungi. Ndameka is charged with…

The trial of a 39-year-old man of Lusaka charged with housebreaking and theft has commenced in the Chisamba Subordinate Court.

Francis Ndameka, of Chibolya Compound in Lusaka, earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge before Magistrate Litungi Litungi.

Ndameka is charged with one count of housebreaking and theft, contrary to Sections 301(a) and 272 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

The particulars of the offence are that on August 13, 2026, the accused allegedly broke into the dwelling house of Picha Simwanza in Chisamba with intent to steal.

The court heard that Ndameka allegedly stole three cell phones, four solar lights, 13 headsets, 13 pairs of sunglasses, 12 bottles of perfume, 10 tubes of black hair dye, and a twin-flex cable.

Other items allegedly stolen were two pairs of boots, five T-shirts, six shirts, K1,500 in cash and two laptop bags, with the total value of the stolen property all estimated at K8,500.

When trial opened, Mr Simwanza identified Ndameka in court, alleging that he was the person who broke into his house and stole the items while he was away.

The court also heard that police recovered a T-shirt, a shirt, a 50-metre three-core cable and a 35-metre twin-flex cable, which the complainant presented as evidence.

However, during cross-examination, Ndameka told the court that Mr Simwanza had given him the clothes because the two had known each other for several years.

The state presented one witness during the proceedings and is expected to call more witnesses as the trial continues.

Magistrate Litungi adjourned the matter to October 20, 2026, for continuation of the trial, while the accused remains in custody.