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Ntcheu Senior Resident Magistrate Joshua Nkhono has convicted and sentenced 35-year-old Chikondi Dinesi to 21 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling his 11-year-old step daughter.
According to Ntcheu Police Spokesperson Rabecca Ndiwate, Dinesi was suspected of committing the offence in February, 2022, at Samanyada Village in Traditional Authority Champiti in the district.
During proceedings, state prosecutor James Luwani told Nkhono that the victim’s mother reported the matter to Nsipe Police Post after being informed by the victim that she had been defiled on three occasions by the step father.
Luwani further told Nkhono that police officers at the said post provided the victim with a medical examination form and results proved that she was indeed defiled and Dinesi was immediately arrested.
Appearing before court, Dinesi pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting the state to parade witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In mitigation, Dinesi asked for the court’s leniency, citing that he looks after his aged mother.
In his submission, Luwani prayed for a stiffer punishment in order to deter other would-be offenders.
Passing sentence, Nkhono concurred with the state and sentenced Dinesi to 21 years imprisonment with hard labour.
