Farm caretaker jailed five years for stealing judge’s cattle

Trust turned into betrayal when a Lusaka farm caretaker was caught stealing cattle from the very employer who had entrusted him with their care.

Given Chikonkoto, 43, will spend the next five years in prison with hard labour after the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court found him guilty of stock theft involving 11 head of cattle worth nearly K98,000, belonging to High Court Judge Edward Musona.

The offence occurred between September 2024 and May 2025, when Chikonkoto, employed as a caretaker, secretly drove the animals out of the kraal and sold them.

He admitted in court that he had no lawful authority, shifting blame to a farm manager he claimed had orchestrated the theft before disappearing.

Justice Musona grew suspicious after a routine farm inspection on May 22, 2025, revealed that 24 animals were missing.

Questioned over the matter, Chikonkoto confessed to selling part of the herd. Police later managed to recover nine of the cattle.

In his plea for leniency, Chikonkoto admitted he had made a grave mistake, saying he was influenced by a friend.

He also cited personal hardships, including health issues and a pregnant wife, as reasons for mercy.

But Magistrate Idah Phiri reminded him that stock theft is a serious offence carrying a mandatory minimum sentence.
“This punishment is necessary not only to help you reform but also to deter others who may be tempted to commit a similar crime,” she said before handing down the sentence.

Chikonkoto will serve his term effective April 22, 2025.

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