The Chipata Magistrate’s Court has convicted two Zambia Army officers for drug trafficking offences after they were found in possession of 40 sachets of marijuana.
O’reilly Malambo, 24, and Richard Kaunda, 27, who pleaded guilty to the charges, have since been jailed for 12 months with hard labour each in their separate offences.
However, in applying leniency, Magistrate Chikumbi Ngulube granted the duo a 15-month-long suspended sentence with caution that they do not commit a similar offence in future.
“I must caution you that you must stay away from such behaviour because if you return as subsequent offenders, the Court will not be so lenient,” Magistrate Ngulube warned.
Particulars of the charges were that Malambo and Kaunda were apprehended last month at Kapata Bus Station, where they went to receive their marijuana while clad in military combat.
The marijuana was sent from Lusaka on a bus.
In mitigation, Malambo apologised to the Court for being found in possession of marijuana.
He told the Court that he was the breadwinner of his family, who was also taking care of his two sisters and an orphan.
“From the time that I was apprehended, I don’t know the fate of my job. So I am appealing for leniency so that I can continue looking after the people I am looking after,” Malambo told the Court.
Kaunda equally sought forgiveness, saying he was married with a young child.
