Neno First Grade Magistrate Court Monday sentenced 42-year-old Christopher Manyika to six months Imprisonment with Hard Labor after he was found in possession of two coffins which he was using for rituals.
However, the court has suspended the sentence for two years on the condition that he should not commit a similar offence during that time.
On August 26, Manyika, along with an accomplice who remains at large, was found with the coffins at Bwalo la Ndenge, where they were reportedly using them for rituals following instructions from a herbalist that the coffins would transform into vehicles.
State Prosecutor, Alexander Boko said though Manyika was a first-time offender but his actions were considered a taboo in the area.
Boko urged the court to impose an appropriate penalty for the offence.
During mitigation, Manyika requested leniency, citing his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Magistrate Margret Khobiri convicted Manyika of an offence likely to cause a breach of peace, contrary to Section 81 of the Penal Code based on his guilty plea.
Magistrate Khobiri noted that while the constitution provides the right to freedom of choice and conscience, individuals must make wise decisions and said that Manyika was “enslaved by his own choices.”
“However, as the facts unfolded, the offence was reported by the public indicating that the community does not condone the convict’s actions. Instead of reporting to the chief, they chose to report to the police, signaling public disapproval,” she added.
Khobiri explained that although the case is a misdemeanor, public interest was a significant factor in her judgment.
She, therefore, sentenced Manyika to six months but suspended the sentence for two years, given his admission of guilt and remorse.
“I have given you this opportunity to reform and become a productive citizen. Work hard and educate your children so they can distinguish between right and wrong,” she said.
Khobiri also highlighted that Manyika lost K1 million to the unknown herbalist and spent additional money purchasing the coffins adding that he has also faced public humiliation since his arrest.
The magistrate advised the convict and the public that wealth cannot be gained through herbalists, urging them instead to work hard and place their trust in God.
She therefore invoked Section 149 of the Criminal Procedures and Evidence Code to order the forfeiture of the coffins to the government, where they will be destroyed.
