Man jailed two months tells why he stole two tins of shoe polish valued K100

A 47-year-old Lusaka West man has been sentenced to two months’ imprisonment after admitting to stealing two tins of Kiwi shoe polish worth K100 from a store.

Njungu Makai was convicted of theft contrary to Section 272 of the Penal Code after he pleaded guilty to committing the offence on February 24, 2026, in Lusaka.

In his mitigation, Makai told the court that illness had driven him to steal, adding that he was remorseful and had learnt from his mistake.

He said he supports two school-going children, while their mother is unemployed.

“It was an illness that caused my action… I accept that I did something wrong and I promise it will never happen again,” he said.

However, Lusaka Resident Magistrate Fine Mayambu said although the value of the stolen items was low and the items were recovered, the court could not ignore the consistent petty thefts suffered by the retail chain.

“You stole something worth K100 and you were caught immediately. Shoprite has been a victim of such petty thefts and needs the protection of the court,” Magistrate Mayambu said.

He sentenced Makai to two months’ imprisonment, effective from February 24, 2026, and warned him against reoffending, noting that he now carries a criminal record.

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