A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour for breaking into a shop and stealing property worth K13,600. Vincent Mwape was convicted of break-in and theft contrary to Section 303 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.…

A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour for breaking into a shop and stealing property worth K13,600.

Vincent Mwape was convicted of break-in and theft contrary to Section 303 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that Mwape, on dates unknown but between October 26, 2026 and October 27, 2026 broke into a shop belonging to businessman, Innocent Kapuka with intent to steal and stole 35 T-shirts, 16 pairs of trousers and two black speakers valued at K13,600.

The court heard that only property worth K2, 850 was recovered, leaving the complainant with a substantial loss.

In mitigation, Mwape asked the court for mercy and leniency, stating that he had a three-year-old child and a wife who depended on him.

And in passing the sentence, Magistrate Felix Lukonde, said Mwape should have considered his family before engaging in criminal activities.

“You should have considered your child before committing this crime. Out of the property stolen, only a small amount was recovered, leaving the complainant with a huge loss while you benefited,” he said.

Magistrate Lukonde described the offence as a felony, punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment, adding that break-ins and theft were prevalent in the district.

“People have lost their hard-earned property at the hands of people like you. Therefore, you should go to jail so that you learn to stay clear of crime,” he added.

The magistrate, however, took into account that Mwape was a first offender and sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour.