 
                                                                                                    12/09/2025
                                            KAPIRI MAN JAILED SIX WEEKS FOR MAIZE THEFT
Kapiri Mposhi Resident Magistrate Mutete Chizawu has sentenced a 30-year-old man to six weeks simple imprisonment for stealing 21 by 50-kilogram bags of maize.
The court heard that the convict was apprehended after stealing the maize, which was later fully recovered. During trial, the prosecution stressed the seriousness of the offence, highlighting maize as a vital commodity for household food security and the broader agricultural economy.
In delivering judgment, Magistrate Chizawu acknowledged the seriousness of the crime but also weighed mitigating circumstances, including the recovery of the stolen bags and the offender’s cooperation with law enforcement.
“Theft of farm produce is a serious offence that threatens the livelihood of many people. However, the court also has a duty to exercise fairness where recovery is made,” Magistrate Chizawu said.
The six-week custodial sentence, the magistrate explained, was meant to punish the offender, deter would-be criminals, and provide the convict with an opportunity to reform. The ruling has since been viewed as a stern warning to the community against theft of agricultural produce, a problem that has become increasingly common during harvest seasons.                                        
 
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                         
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
  