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The Nkhunga first grade magistrate court in Nkhotakota has convicted and sentenced Alfred Chalamanda 33, to ten years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling his 12 year-old step-daughter.
“Presenting facts before court was who told the court that “The suspect had on five occasions been defiling the victim after which he was giving her some money as a cover-up” Sgt. Mickeas Chatsila said.
“The victim used the money in buying herself some new clothes to the amusement of her mother who upon quizzing her daughter of how and where she got the clothes, she revealed everything. Suspect was arrested after victim was confirmed to have been defiled at Nkhunga Health Center and was charged with defilement contrary to section 138 of the penal code.” Sgt. Mickeas Chatsila narrated.
Appearing in court on Monday this week, he pleaded guilty to the charge and in mitigation, he pleaded with the court for leniency saying he looks after his extended family.
The state however prayed for a custodial sentence saying what the convict did was a violation of one of the children’s rights of being protected from any kind of abuse – sexual abuse inclusive.
Echoing the sentiments was the presiding magistrate Kingsley Buleya who decried the rising number of such cases around Dwangwa and the surrounding areas.
Magistrate Buleya then ordered the convict to spend the next ten years in jail.
Alfred Chalamanda hails from Lupanga village in the area of Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka district.
