BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate Court has sentenced a man to one year, two months’ imprisonment for housebreaking and stealing.

The ruling was delivered on March 4 by Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison.

For count-one the defendant was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment for one count of housebreaking and committing felony contrary to section 300 (a) of the Penal Code [Cap 26].

Count-two the defendant was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment for one count of housebreaking and committing felony contrary to section 300(a) of the Penal Code [Cap 26].

Count-three the defendant was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment for one count of simple larceny contrary to section 261 (1) of the Penal Code [Cap 26].

Court ordered that sentences for counts one and two be served concurrently, and consecutive to the sentence of count-three.

Time spent in custody prior to sentencing will be deducted.

The defendant has 14 days to appeal.

Zivoka Lamani, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts of housebreaking and committing felony and one count of simple larceny.

Court facts on counts one and two said that on January 22, 2022, the complainant did a stock take of his liquor shop and returned home.

Lamani unlawfully entered the liquor stop twice between January 22 and 23 using a spare key and took two cartons of whiskey cola drinks.

The complainant found out about the missing cartons on January 23, 2022, and together with other people followed a trail of foot prints behind the shop.

The trail led to Mr Lamani’s house.

Upon arrival they saw Lamani still drinking and the area surrounding his house scattered with empty cans of whiskey cola.

The matter was reported to Buala police and Lamani was arrested and charged with housebreaking and committing felony.

Court facts for count-three said on January 25, 2024 Lamani and two friends stole an electric guitar from a nearby CRC church.

The guitar was found on February 2, 2024 in a drain near Lamani’s home.

Mr Jonathan Lui Auga acted for the Crown and Kevin Maelanga for Lamani.

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