A 19-year old Grade 10 pupil of Chuundu Secondary School in Choma has been sentenced to 18 months simple imprisonment by the Choma Magistrate’s Court for stealing a pair of shoes worth K49 from Pep Stores
Magistrate Jacob Mbolela on Tuesday convicted and jailed Jiva Hakatombo after finding her guilty of two counts of theft.
In the first count, it was alleged that Hakatombo on February 24 this year in Choma, stole a pair of shoes worth K49 from Pep Stores.
In the second count, it was alleged that Hakatombo on the same day, stole clothes from Green Shop Stores worth K78.
Delivering judgment, Mr Mbolela described Hakatombo’s defence that she paid for the shoes and clothes through a friend as mere afterthought.
“This offense is prevalent in Choma and it is unfortunate that women have resorted to stealing and since women fight for equal rights…likewise you shall equally be punished like the men, you shall equally go to prison if you commit an offense,” Mr Mbolela said.
In mitigation, Hakatombo asked the court to forgive her because she is a pupil and she has a little baby girl.