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A 45-year-old charcoal burner from Chisamba, Kelvin Matongo, has admitted in court to stealing 18 cobs of maize worth K180, saying he acted out of hunger.
Appearing before Lusaka Magistrate Chrispine Hampungani, Matongo pleaded for leniency, explaining that he was the sole breadwinner for his family of five, including his bedridden father-in-law.
He told the court that desperation and hunger had driven him to commit the crime.
While acknowledging Matongo’s difficult situation, Magistrate Hampungani stressed that hunger was no justification for theft, especially for a capable man who could farm.
However, he showed leniency by sentencing Matongo to one week in prison but suspending the sentence for two weeks.
“I want you to go home, be a responsible citizen, and cultivate your own maize while it is still raining,” the magistrate advised.
Matongo was charged with theft contrary to Section 272 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of Zambian laws.
He had stolen the maize from Rodwell Mvula on February 17, 2025, in Lusaka.
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