Counterfeit notes earns man 12 months jail term

A MAN found with K8, 200 counterfeit notes has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.

Particulars of the offence before magistrate Nsunge Chanda were that Samson Chibalika, 38, had in his possession K8, 200 counterfeit notes between July 9 and July 26, 2019.

Chibalika denied the charge of possession of counterfeit notes and the matter went to trial.

He defended himself saying he is a businessman and went to meet a person he wanted to do business with.

He explained that he was repairing a television at home when he received a call from someone asking him to meet at a bank.

Chibalika went to meet the person and upon arrival at the meeting place, he was apprehended by police officers.

Delivering judgement, magistrate Chanda said it is a fact that there was possession of K100 fake notes.

She said at the close of the state’s case, she found Chibalika with a case to answer and put him on his defence.

Chibalika pleaded for mercy saying that if he was jailed, his wife and three children would suffer.

He said so many youths in prison are ignorant about the law and wished to be given a second chance to prove that he has truly reformed.

He apologised to the court for his actions and promised to stay away from criminal activities.

Magistrate Chanda said she had taken into consideration Chibalika's mitigation but he should value his life.

The court jailed Chibalika 12 months imprisonment from the day of his arrest.