The First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Thyolo on November 28, 2022 sentenced Isaac Lumanga, 52, to pay a fine of K200 000 for trafficking trees illegally and K400, 000 for using his vehicle while committing offense.
Deputy Public Relations Officer for Thyolo Police sergeant Rabecca Kashoti has confirmed and said that the court heard through State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Felix Senzani that Lumanga committed the offence on November 11, 2022.
Kashoti further said that on the said date at around 09:00hrs, a security guard working at Naming’omba Tea Estate spotted boys entering the estate.
“He monitored their movement until he noticed that they were carrying stolen pine tree logs. The guard kept trailing the suspects and discovered that there was a truck waiting to collect the logs.
“In their process of loading the logs in the truck, the guard rushed to inform his boss who did not waste any time but to call the police,” she said.
Later, the motor vehicle, Man truck registration number CZ 3906, was intercepted by the Police Officers while coming out of the estate.
During court proceedings, Lumanga denied the charges levelled against him prompting the State to parade four witnesses who testified against him and the court found him guilty.
In submission, Prosecutor Senzani prayed for a deterrent sentence against the convict saying that the maximum penalty for the offence is 5 million kwacha and 10 years imprisonment with hard labour and also that theft of forest produce from the estate is so rampant.
In mitigation, the convict pleaded for leniency saying that he is sick and also a first offender.
However, passing sentence, Magistrate Kondani Chinangwa concurred with the State and therefore convicted and sentenced Lumanga to pay a fine of K200 000 or in default to serve 10 months Imprisonment with hard labour.
The court also made further orders that the convict pays K400,000 for using his motor vehicle whilst committing the offence.
Lumanga hails from Kathawire Village, Traditional Authority Nanseta, District Thyolo.
