He trafficked in over 70kg of high-grade cannabis, offered bribe to law enforcers
CHOMBA MUSIKA
Lusaka
DESPITE a ‘moving mitigation’, Lusaka businessman Henry Kasolo has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour for trafficking in more than 70 kilogrammes (kg) of high-grade cannabis and offering a bribe to law enforcement officers.
Kasolo, 54, of Leopards Hill, Lusaka, was convicted on three counts of dealing in psychotropic substances, unlawful importation of drugs and corrupt practices.
This was after Lusaka resident magistrate Webster Milumbe found him guilty of trafficking in and importing 73.9kg of marijuana compressed into 117 packs.
He was also found guilty of offering K60,000 to a Drug Enforcement Commission officer as an inducement or reward for the release of two Thai nationals who were being investigated for drug trafficking.
Before he was jailed yesterday, the convict, through his lawyer, pleaded for mercy in a spirited mitigation, in which he asked the court to impose a lesser sentence.
The lawyer submitted that his client’s health has been failing him.
“…he has been going in and out of the hospital because of his condition that began after his arrest.
“We have noted that this particular [health] condition requires the convict before you to administer, in his body, jabs four times daily, and if not managed well, it can turn into something the court would not want to hear about,” the defence submitted.
While pleading for mercy, the lawyer said his client is a breadwinner whose wife and children depend on him.
“During our usual update with the family, one of the youngest reached out, saying, ‘uncle, when is dad coming home?’
“Despite being counsel, I had difficulties responding to that question, but the simple answer was that he is at the mercy of the court.”
He added: “We beg that this court exercises its leniency by suspending part of the sentence.”
The magistrate noted what he termed a moving mitigation by the defence but said it was not enough to cure the gravity of the offences.
“I have considered the moving mitigation by counsel and that you are a first offender, and the quantity of the drugs is aggravating,” magistrate Milumbe said.
To deter would-be offenders, the magistrate sentenced the convict to seven years’ imprisonment, to run concurrently.
The court will hear the State’s application for the disposal of the exhibits on October 6.
