A 29-year-old shopkeeper in Salima, Never Mizeck, has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour after admitting to stealing fishing twine nets worth K55 million from his employer.
The Salima First Grade Magistrate’s Court convicted Mizeck on a charge of theft by servant.
State prosecutor Inspector Justice Manolo told the court that Mizeck was employed as a shopkeeper at a fishing twine business operating at Salima Main Market.
The court heard that the employer became suspicious after noticing that the business was performing poorly.
On June 6, 2026, the employer received information from a well-wisher alleging that Mizeck was keeping and selling large quantities of fishing twine at his house at lower prices.The employer reported the matter to police, leading to Mizeck’s arrest.
According to the prosecution, Mizeck admitted during questioning that he had been stealing the fishing twine and selling it through parallel markets.
Police later recovered fishing twine valued at K16,162,000 and cash amounting to K2,170,000.Appearing before the court, Mizeck pleaded guilty to the charge and asked for leniency, citing family obligations.
However, the State asked the court to impose a stiffer sentence, arguing that the offence was serious and could undermine employers’ trust in their employees.
First Grade Magistrate Amran Phiri agreed with the State and sentenced Mizeck to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
The court also ordered that houses allegedly built using the stolen money and a motor vehicle owned by Mizeck be seized and sold, with the proceeds to be paid to the complainant.
Mizeck hails from Magombo Village in the area of Traditional Authority Salima in Salima District.
