By 
In a rare and emotional court session, Lusaka Magistrate, Mutinta Mwenya,
sentenced 22-year-old Grace Banda to three months’ simple imprisonment for stealing a three-month-old baby.
The court also directed that Banda undergo psychosocial counseling at Chainama Hills Hospital to address her mental and emotional state.
Banda, originally from Chipata in Eastern Province, relocated to Lusaka a year ago after getting married and searching for employment.
She confessed in court that she was grappling with the trauma of a miscarriage, which left her desperate for a child.
The incident occurred on November 24, 2024, when Jane (not her real name), 24, was at the Shantumbu market with her husband and baby.
Banda approached Jane, introduced herself as a neighbor, and offered to help carry the baby. Trusting her, Jane handed over the child.
Upon reaching home, Banda convinced Jane to allow her to take the baby to her house, promising to return shortly.
Hours later, by 21:00 hours, the baby had not been returned.
A frantic search led Jane and her husband to Banda’s house, where they found the baby.
When confronted, Banda shockingly claimed the baby was hers.
However, her inability to breastfeed the child debunked her claim.
It was Banda’s husband who eventually returned the baby to the rightful mother.
In court, Banda pleaded guilty to child stealing, attributing her actions to the emotional pain of her miscarriage.
When asked by Magistrate Mwenya about her mental state, Banda broke down in tears, struggling to articulate her thoughts.
Prosecutor Ngwala Chinyama informed the court that the offense carries a maximum penalty of 14 years under Section 177(1) of the Penal Code.
However, Banda’s status as a first-time offender and her emotional distress prompted a more lenient sentence.
“This is a serious offense, and a message must be sent to deter others. However, considering your emotional state, I will sentence you to three months’ simple imprisonment effective today, with an order to undergo psychosocial counseling,” Magistrate Mwenya ruled.
The court emphasized the need for professional intervention to address Banda’s mental health while warning others against similar behavior.
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