Head teacher sentenced to two years imprisonment for theft of cement worth K2.3 million

A 49-year-old head teacher at Maina Soko Primary School in Chililabombwe broke down in tears in court as she was handed a two-year sentence for theft by agent, a charge arising from the illegal sale of of bags of cement entrusted to her.

Violet Sukumuna was convicted by the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court for stealing 12,000 x 50kg bags of cement valued at K2.34 million between March 1 and March 16, 2020.

The cement had been given to her by Alletta Magrieta Rika to sell on her behalf to Katanga Mafra Mine Limited and remit the proceeds which she failed to do.

During mitigation, Sukumuna pleaded for leniency, telling the court she was a widow, a mother, and a civil servant whose children would suffer if she were sent to prison.

“I ask for your mercy,” she said tearfully, adding, “I am a first offender and a mother. My children depend on me.”

However, in delivering judgment, Senior Magistrate Kasanda noted that despite Sukumuna being a first offender, cases of this nature had become rampant among public servants.

“I have considered your mitigation. But to deter would-be offenders, I sentence you to 24 months of simple imprisonment,” she ruled.

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