Couple jailed 14 years for conspiring to sell a child

The Salima First Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and sentenced Lesiyasi Chomveka, 36, and his 26-year-old wife, Anansi M’dala, to a 14-year jail term for conspiracy and child trafficking after offering for sale a 12-year-old girl at MK500,000.

According to State Prosecutor, Hanter Masamba, the court heard that the couple has been complaining of their poor financial status.

Masamba said the couple was advised by a certain person to find a child and sell it to a certain well known fisherman at Lifuwu in Salima district.

The court further heard that on November 24, 2023, the couple went to meet the alleged buyer. However, after narrating the story to him, he told them to bring the girl alive as the couple suggested of bringing the child dead.

As the couple was leaving, the alleged buyer immediately alerted police about the strange trade, and on 28 November 2023, the wife went to their neighbour’s house and took the 12-year-old girl child saying she wanted to accompany her to the nearby market.

“The couple then left for Lifuwu and upon arrival, police were alerted leading to the arrest of the couple,” said Masamba.

Appearing before court, the two denied the charges and pleaded not guilty prompting the state to parade four witnesses.

Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Anthony Banda sentenced them to three years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to Section 404 of the Penal Code and 14 years IHL for child trafficking contrary to Section 79(1) of the Child and Justice Act. The sentences will run concurrently.

Source:Mana