The Mazabuka Magistrate Court in Zambia has sentenced two men of ZIAH compound to one-year imprisonment with hard labour for stealing 40 meters of copper cables worth over K1800.

This is in a matter where Jack Phiri and Richard Nkhomesha, both aged 19 are jointly charged with theft.

Particulars of the offence are that on the 23rd of April, 2024, the duo stole the copper cables property of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Mazabuka District.

It is reported that the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, dealing with research on animals, last year experienced thefts of copper cables.

A security guard at the Ministry offices in the district and his colleague intercepted the two who had carried cables in the night after which they revealed where they had stored the cables.

When the matter came up for plea before Senior Resident Magistrate Edward Chisanga, the two pleaded guilty to the charge.