The Chikwawa First Grade Magistrate court on 15 November,2024 has convicted and sentenced John Justin,25 to 4 years over theft of cattle.

Court heard through state prosecutor from Chikwawa Police Station, Constable Yamikani Sindeya that on 14 August,2024 Justin stole two cattle valued K1.1 million belonged to a certain farmer from Padzuwa Village Traditional Authority Kasisi.

Appearing in court, Justin pleaded not guilty for the charge of theft of cattle which is contrary to section 281 of the Penal Code. This prompted the state to parade four witnesses who testified against him.

In his Submission, Constable Sindeya prayed to court for custodial sentence citing that the accused is not a first offender and he sold all the stolen cattle hence the loss to the owner, he also added that the theft of cattle in Chikwawa is rampant therefore giving harsh penalties would deter others would-be offenders since livestock farming is the main source of income of the people in Chikwawa.

In his mitigation, Justin asked court to consider him by not giving him custodial sentence citing that he is a bread winner for his family.

When delivering his ruling First Grade Magistrate Joram Zebron concurred with the state and ordered the convict to serve four years jail term.

John Justin hails from Padzuwa Village, Traditional Authority Kasisi in Chikwawa District.