Two university students, found guilty of trafficking in narcotic substances, have been given a second chance by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
Trevor Moonga, 24, and Isaac Mumba, 23, were a one-year suspended sentence, pending good behaviour.
Moonga of Garden House and Mumba of Riverside Petauke, who are students at Kapasa Makasa University and on a student loan, respectively, were arrested on November 6 after police officers discovered a bag containing 257.2 grams of cannabis at Juldan bus services office.
The two accused persons pleaded guilty to the offence and were convicted by Lusaka magistrate Keegan Litia.
In mitigation, Moonga, studying Cyber Security, apologised to the state, court, and society for his involvement in the offence.
He promised to become an ambassador against drug trafficking, warning his fellow students of the consequences of engaging in such activities.
Mumba also humbled himself before the court, asking for forgiveness and promising to teach others that crime does not pay.
“I am asking for forgiveness and I will never repeat it. Results are out and I cleared. Am asking for a last chance to continue with my education,” Mumba pleaded.
Magistrate Litia, while acknowledging that the offence was serious, decided to give the two students a second chance.
“You deserve a second chance, however, I wish to remind you that it is a serious offence. Concentrate on learning so that you have a good future. This quick money you look for will create problems for you,” Litia warned.
The court also granted an application by the prosecution to forfeit the seized marijuana to the state.
