. Mwape
By DELPHINE ZULU –
LUSAKA actor Owas Mwape has been sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour for forgery and altering of false documents.
Principal resident magistrates Obbister Musukwa, in his judgment yesterday said he was convinced that Mwape forged his wife’s signature and altered a false document in relation to a vehicle which he later put in his names.
Mwape is alleged to have forged the signature of his ex-wife and musician Saboi Imboela and changed ownership of the Nissan Elgrand vehicle, which she purchased during her studies in Sweden.
“The evidence is on record from witnesses called to testify that you changed the ownership of the vehicle in your own names when your wife was away for studies abroad. The court is, therefore, convinced that you committed the said crime, and I accordingly sentence you to six months imprisonment with hard labour,” Mr Musukwa said.
In mitigation after being convicted, Mwape, who divorced his wife in the local court after marital disputes, pleaded with Mr Musukwa not to be handed down with a custodial sentence, saying his career would suffer.
He said he was a first offender and deserved leniency, and that he had no ill intention at the time the said vehicle was being purchased because he used to deposit the money in his former wife’s account.
