Pastor From Chipata District Sentenced To Six Months Imprisonment With Hard Labour

In a recent legal development, a 28-year-old pastor from Chipata district in Zambia has been convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour by the Lundazi Magistrate Court for the possession of counterfeit bank notes.

The pastor, Bright Zulu, hailing from Walela Compound in Chipata district, faced charges under Section 358 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

The court established that on September 22 of this year, Bright Zulu was found in possession of eight counterfeit 100 United States Dollar bank notes without lawful authority, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction.

Zulu, a first-time offender, pleaded guilty to the offence and requested leniency during his trial.

During the mitigation phase, Zulu, who is married and a father of three, appealed to the court to consider the welfare of his family, expressing concern that their lives would be severely impacted if he were to be incarcerated.

In delivering the judgement, Magistrate Joseph Kapila expressed disappointment at the involvement of a clergyman in such an offence.

While acknowledging Zulu's mitigation and his cooperation during the legal proceedings, the Magistrate emphasised the need to deter potential offenders and assist the convict in rehabilitation.

The court consequently sentenced Zulu to six months imprisonment with hard labour, the sentence taking effect from September 22, 2023.