Court jails man 14 years for having sexual intercourse with a minor in Nkhata Bay

The First Grade Magistrate Court in Nkhata Bay has on May 12, 2026 convicted and sentenced 32-year-old Evance Phiri to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for having sexual intercourse with his 7-year-old step daughter at Chimbere within the district..

The court heard through state prosecutor Sub Inspector Andrew Singini that the suspect had been forcing himself on the girl for three times and gave her money in return.

The court also heard that the mother to the victim noted some liquids like sperms on girls underwear as she was washing, an incident which forced the mother to probe more for the details from the girl.

She then revealed that the step father threatened to beat her up if she reveals the ordeal to anyone.

The matter was reported to Nkhata Bay Police Station where investigations were instituted leading to the arrest of the suspect on February 3, 2026 at Chintheche within the district.

He was charged with having sexual intercourse with a girl child under the age of 18.

However, he denied the charge which forced the state to parade four witnesses to prove the case.

The evidence from the witnesses later proved the matter beyond doubt leading to the conviction of the suspect.

In mitigation, the convict prayed for leniency stating that he is the breadwinner for his family and that he is also taking care of his sisters who solely depend on him.

In his submission, the state prosecutor Sub Inspector Andrew Singini prayed that the case should rather be referred to the High Court for a stiff punishment to the convict because as a father to the girl, he has full responsibility of raising her and providing all her basic necessities.

He further stated that the girls condition is extremely worse as she is emotionally and psychologically affected and also that the age gap is just too wide for him to force himself on the girl.

Passing sentence on May 12, 2026, First Grade Magistrate Radison Gamaliyele concurred with the state that the behaviour is just uncalled for, hence needed to be dealt with accordingly.

He then sentenced the convict to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour effective from the date of arrest.

Phiri hails from Kabira Village in the area of Traditional Authority Malanda in Nkhata Bay District.