A Kariba magistrate has sentenced a 55-year-old Zambian national, Robert Luyako, to 10 years in prison for illegally possessing copper. The sentence was handed down after Luyako was found guilty of the offense.
According to court records, Luyako was arrested by the police at his residence in Kariba, Zimbabwe, after a tip-off from a local resident. A search warrant was executed at his residence, and a significant amount of copper was found in his possession.
Prosecuting counsel told the court that the copper was found in a bag and was estimated to be worth over $10,000. The prosecutor alleged that Luyako had been involved in illegal activities involving the smuggling of copper from Zambia to Zimbabwe.
Luyako denied the charges, but the court found him guilty of the offense after considering evidence presented by the prosecution.
In delivering the sentence, the magistrate stated that Luyako had shown no remorse for his actions and that he had exploited the country’s resources for personal gain. The magistrate also ordered that Luyako pay a fine of $5,000, which he failed to pay.
Luyako is expected to serve his sentence at Chikurubi Maximum Prison in Harare.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
