A 32-year-old man from Mazabuka in Zambia has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for stealing 450 internodes of sugarcane valued at K4,500.

The convict identified as Luka Hangoma was charged with theft contrary to section 272 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

The particulars of the case state that on 28th July 2024, Hangoma stole the aforementioned items, property of Zambia Sugar PLC.

When he appeared for sentencing before Magistrate Changa Chitabo, Hangoma pleaded for leniency, indicating that his wife is expecting and he has other dependents.

Taking into account the mitigation, Magistrate Chitabo sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour.