Domestic worker tells court why she stole $13,000 from employer

A 30-year-old house help of Mtendere East has pleaded guilty to theft by servant after admitting to stealing US$13,000 from her employer.

Violet Mwanza entered the guilty plea when she appeared before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.

According to the charge sheet, the offence occurred between April 1 and April 28, 2025, while she was employed by Maybin Simbeye.

Mwanza told the court that she was hired on October 30, 2024, and acknowledged taking the money without permission. She also confirmed she was not owed any salary arrears.

Asked why she committed the offence, Mwanza told the court that envy motivated her actions.

“I took the money because my friends had things,” she said.

The court entered a plea of guilty after establishing that she had no lawful justification for taking the money.

The State informed the court that about US$7,400 had been recovered and requested an adjournment to allow it to present the facts and consult the complainant.

The matter has been adjourned to Monday for presentation of facts.

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