MTN shop manager in court for theft

—-Chinsali MTN Shop Manager, Kennedy Musukuma, has appeared in the Chinsali Magistrate’s court on charges of breaking into a building.

Mr Musukuma, 31, of Chinunda Village in Senior Chief Nkula`s area in Chinsali District, appeared before Magistrate Shadrick Chanda for continued trial.

Musukuma is charged with one count of breaking into a building and committing a felony therein contrary to Section 303 (a) (b) Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence were that Musukuma, on April 28, 2013, did break into the MTN shop at night and stole MTN talk-time and cash money all valued at KR69, 000.

Detective Sergeant Mubita Mujuku from Chinsali Police Station testified before the court that he received a complaint from Musukuma that the MTN shop had been broken into and that Airtime and some money had been stolen.

Detective Mujuku said with the company of two other officers they visited the scene of crime where it was discovered that the front door and that of the shop manager had been tampered with.

He added in his testimony that both the manger`s door and the shop main door were opened by force thereby damaging the locking systems.

Detective Mujuku said the manager`s door had two metal bars locking the door from inside which could have made it impossible to open the door from outside.

He said some particles of the door which had fallen at the time of breaking, showed that the force was applied from inside.

Detective Mujuku further said that it was also discovered that apart from breaking the building upon entry, a key was also used.

Detective Mujuku said it was discovered that the complainant who turned out to be the prime suspect had the keys for the shop.

The police officer said he suspected the accused person to have been the one who allegedly broke into the building and stole the said money after it came to light that he was the one who was keeping the office keys.

Musukuma was later arrested and remanded at Chinsali Police Station where upon being questioned gave a free and voluntary reply denying the charge.

No recoveries have been made by the police so far.

Magistrate Chanda has adjourned the matter to June 20, 2013 for continuation of trail and Musukuma`s police bond has been extended.