05/09/2023
PROPOSED LAW, NO BAIL FOR STOCK THEFT
GOVERNMENT has proposed introduction of a law that will ensure that anyone who steals livestock, such as cow, is denied bail when arrested in connection with stock theft.
This follows Cabinet’s plans to amend some sections of the penal code in relation to stock Theft.
Last Wednesday, Cabinet, in line with the approval to amend Section 275 of the Penal Code to accommodate the revision of penalties relating to stock theft, approved the publication and introduction in Parliament, during the next sitting, The Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill, 2023.”
The objectives of the Bill are to amend the Criminal Procedure Code, so as to make the offence of stock theft non-bailable.
It also seeks to empower all classes of the subordinate Court to commit matters required to be committed for trial to the High Court and revise the powers of the Chief Justice relating to issuances of Rules under the Act.
This is according to statement issued by Chief Government spokesperson Chushi Kasanda to update the nation on the decisions of the 14th Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday last week called by President Hakainde Hichilema.
“Cabinet also approved the publication and introduction in Parliament, during the next sitting, of the Bill entitled “The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The objective of the Bill is to amend the Penal Code, so as to revise the penalties relating to stock theft.
“Currently, Section 275 of the Penal Code Act provides for different penalties depending on the type of stock that is stolen,” Ms Kasanda said.
She said , however, due to the rise in stock theft in the country, it has become necessary to amend the Penal Code Act so as to, among others, revise the penalties relating to stock theft in an effort to deter would-be criminals from committing the offence of stock theft which will invariably, allow for economic growth at a household level.
“Cabinet agreed that there is need to deter criminal activities on livestock theft in the country through stiffer penalties and, therefore, the proposal through this Bill is more appropriate,” Ms Kasanda said.
Credit: Znbc today