A female civil servant in Zimba District who allegedly stole five bicycles from a store-room has appeared in Zimba Urban Local Court for trial.
Matildah Mufaya appeared in court today before George Njobvu, sitting in as Kalomo Subordinate Court Magistrate.
This is in a case in which Matildah, 38 of Treasure Township in Zimba district is charged with breaking into a building contrary to the laws of Zambia.
It is alleged that between March 25 and 28 2022, Matildah while acting together with another male person broke into a building in Zimba district and stole five bicycles from the store-room belonging to the department of Social Welfare.
The Court heard today that Matilda’s accomplice only identified as Reuben is still on the run but police have launched a manhunt for the suspect.
Patrick Matongo, a first witness, told the court that they delivered the bicycles in the Nyawa area of Kazungula district together with the accused, Matildah and other known persons.
In a fully packed court, Matongo submitted that he was just offered transport in the vehicle by Matildah as he was not part of the illicit business of selling the bicycles.
Another witness, Dickson Siatete aged 64, said his young brother bought the bicycles at K5, 000 cash which was collected by the accused, Matildah.
Siatete, who is an Induna, submitted that the five bicycles were later recovered by police officers after four days as stolen property.
And Kalomo Subordinate Court Magistrate George Njobvu adjourned the matter to June 24, 2022 for continuation of trial while the accused remains in police custody.
Earlier, the Court visited the Social Welfare Department where the incident had occurred.
During the visit, Zimba District Social Welfare Officer Randy Nchimunya disclosed that he noticed the grill gate for the office was tempered with and that five bicycles were missing from the store room.
Mr Nchimunya later reported the matter to the Police who comprehensively followed the matter leading to the arrest of the accused, Matildah.
CREDIT:ZANIS
