Kitwe Taxi Driver Gets 10 years For Vandalism

THE Kitwe High Court has sentenced a 21-year-old taxi driver of Kitwe’s Wusakile to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for vandalising Zamtel cables worth K38,986.85.
Justice Chilombo Phiri meted out the sentence against Vincent Kapambwe, who was facing one count of vandalism, contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
It was alleged that on October 14, 2014, Kapambwe, jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown, vandalised 245 metres of communication cables worth K38,986.85.
Justice Phiri, passing sentence on Tuesday, said evidence that was adduced in the matter proves that Kapambwe did indeed vandalise the cables.
She said the accused cut the cables from underground where they had been laid for purposes of providing communication services to the public.
Justice Phiri said the net effect of this vandalism was that telephone landlines in Kalulushi went off, leading to complaints by members of the public.
“I am, therefore, satisfied that the circumstantial evidence in this matter is correct and has removed this case out of the realm of conjecture. I’m therefore satisfied that the prosecution has managed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“I sentence you to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour, and if you are not happy with what I have done, you can appeal to the High Court within 14 days,” she said.
During trial, Lillian Mwape testified before the court that on the material day, around 05:00 hours, she discovered some cables in an incomplete building near her house.
She said the matter was reported to police and the Kapambwe was later arrested and charged with the subject offence.

Posted by Editor on January 14, 2016. Filed under CRIME. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry