Mwambula then left successfully left the store but was apprehended at the taxi rank.

When asked to show proof of purchase, Mwambula failed to produce anything.

He was later taken to Choma Police Station where he was interviewed by an Officer Bwalya who charged him with the offence of theft.

In mitigation, the accused begged the court to exercise lenience as he did not know what he was doing.

He further said he is the one that takes care of his ailing grandmother who suffers from high blood pressure and if sent to jail, no one will look after her.

He further pleaded that he is suffering from Tuberculosis (TB) and if sent to jail, he may die.

In passing judgement, Magistrate Zulu stated that the court had proved the case beyond any reasonable doubt and found the accused guilty in his own admission.

Magistrate Zulu said the court had considered the fact that he was a first offender who had shown remorse for his actions, but it was so shameful that a man of his age would indulge in such vices.

He therefore sentenced the accused to six months imprisonment with hard labour but suspended the sentence to 2 years in which if he commits any crime within that stipulated period, he will have to serve the six months slapped on him.