HIGH COURT OVERTURNS JAIL SENTENCE FOR BLOGGER SIMON MWEWA LANE
By Darius Choonya
The Lusaka High Court has overturned the six-month custodial sentence handed to businessman and social media blogger Simon Mwewa Lane, whose real name is Mwewa Chitambala.
Mr. Chitambala was convicted in January this year by the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court for malicious damage to property after he deflated the tyres of a minibus parked near Simoson Building at City Market.
Unhappy with the conviction and sentence, Mr. Chitambala appealed, arguing that the lower court had erred in both law and fact.
In his judgment, High Court Judge Ian Mabbolobbolo has set aside the six-month simple imprisonment and replaced it with a fine of K6,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in a maximum of three months’ simple imprisonment.
However, Judge Mabbolobbolo upheld the conviction, meaning Mr. Chitambala remains a convict.
CONVICTION FOR SIMON MWEWA LANE STAYS,BUT FINED K6000
