Kadilime MMD Ward Councillor Austin Msimuko slapped with nine months imprisonment with hard labour for criminal trespass.

A 31 year old civic leader of Lundazi district has been slapped with nine months imprisonment with hard labour, for criminal trespass by the Lundazi Magistrate court.
Facts before magistrate Milton Nyirenda, were that on 5th February 2012, Kadilime Ward Councillor Austin Msimuko of Kaoko village in Senior Chief Magodi’s area, entered David M’tika’s premises of Chasefu Sub Centre around 21 hours, which is an awkward time, and threatened to beat him contrary to the laws of Zambia.
In mitigation, Msimuko pleaded with the honourable court to exercise maximum leniency, as he was supporting two school going children, adding that as a civic leader if sentenced to prison, his people will suffer.
But Magistrate Nyirenda when passing judgement said that it was the duty of the court to send a warning to people in authority and to deter would be offenders.
Magistrate Nyirenda says that as a civic leader, Msimuko was supposed to lead by example so that the community emulates him.
His conviction comes barely three days after Msimuko submitted his resignation letter as councillor of Kadilime Ward to the council secretary, Mgundi Simukolomba.
In a letter dated 5th February 2013 availed to Lundazi District Council, and made available to Breeze News, Mr. Msimuko indicated that he has resigned from the MMD, Movement for Multi- Party Democracy to join the Patriotic Front Party.
The former councillor says he had decided to join the ruling party because it was difficult to work efficiently in opposition.