FARMER FOUND HIDING IN CEILING FACES STOCK THEFT CHARGES IN MAZABUKA COURT
The Mazabuka Court heard on Tuesday afternoon how a Mwanachingwala-based farmer, Bweza Milambo, was found hiding in the ceiling of his house when police officers went to look for him.
Byta FM’s court journalist reports that Bweza Milambo, Choonde Mwanamulalu, and Oswel Chiwala are facing charges of stock theft alleged to have occurred between July 16th and 17th, 2024.
In count one, they are charged with stealing three cattle valued at K15,000, belonging to Kenny Matobo.
In the second count, they are accused of stealing 10 cattle worth K120,000, the property of Doctor Chikumbe.
Mwanamulalu and Chiwala face additional charges for stealing two cows worth K18,000, belonging to Winter Lisulo.
The offences are contrary to section 282B (1) (b) and 272 of the Penal Code Chapter 87, as amended by Act number 20 of 2023 of the Laws of Zambia.
When the matter came up for continuation of trial before Senior Resident Magistrate Edward Chisanga in a packed courtroom, arresting officer Charles Mwaanga stated that Milambo was found hiding in the ceiling during a search at his Mwanachingwala house.
Mwaanga testified that seven cattle hides were found buried behind Milambo’s house, with three of them bearing animal brands registered to Chikumbe, and three others with Matobo’s brand marks.
He further attested that five live animals belonging to Chikumbe and two others owned by Lisulo were recovered from Milambo’s farm.
Mwaanga told the court that the other suspects, Mwanamulalu and Chiwala, had evaded police but were later apprehended in Chikankata.
The recovered cattle hides and horns were surrendered to the court as evidence.
The matter has been adjourned to November 19th, 2024, for cross-examination and a scene visit.