By SYLVIA MWEETWA –
A Farm manager in Mukonchi area of Kapiri Mposhi District in Central Province has pleaded not guilty to one count theft of 40 cows before Kabwe Magistrate Court Chimuka Mutafela.
Penius Malambo was accused of stealing 40 herds of cattle, property of Saili Kalaluka between February 2014 and March this year, a charge he denied.
A witness during examination in chief by state prosecutor Aaron Kuyeli said he entrusted his farm and the cattle in the hands of the now accused but was surprised to discover that some cattle had disappeared.
Mr Kalaluka testified that later it was discovered that about 13 herds of cattle had been sold to different people which were later recovered while two others were given to a person the accused had debt with.
He told the court that at time when the cows were stolen, he was unwell and claimed that the accused took advantage of the state he was in.
Another witness Patson Muleya said when the accused was handing over to the one who had been employed as farm manager, it was discovered that instead of 145 cattle only 114 were accounted for and that when the accused was asked he threatened to kill him.
George Mweemba testified that he was given two cattle as payment for the debt he was owing but later discovered that the cattle was stolen.
Trial continues.
