The Second Grade Magistrate court in Chikwawa has ordered a 35 – year – old man, Madukano Nkhuwawe to pay a fine of K90 000 or in default to serve 15 months jail term for child neglect.
Police prosecutor, Sergeant Emmanuel Namarwa told the court that on 27 February 2020 Nkhuwawe’s 12 – months – old son fell sick, but due to his religious beliefs, the father never took him to hospital contravening section 165 of the penal code.
Namarwa further told the court that after hearing the news, police rushed to the house of Nkhuwawe.
By this time the child’s condition had become worse forcing the law enforcers to take the child to hospital where he was diagnosed with anemia.
In court, the father pleaded not guilty prompting the state to parade two witnesses.
Satisfied with the evidence, magistrate Yolam Zebron convicted him.
In Submission Sergeant Namarwa asked for a stiff penalty saying act of the convict is dangerous to lives of children.
In mitigation, the convict asked for leniency because he is married and looks after his two children.
But passing the sentence magistrate Zebron concured with the state and ordered the convict to pay a fine of K90,000 or in default to spend 15 months in jail.
Meanwhile the convict has paid the fine.
Nkhuwawe hails from Mwita village under Traditional Authority Katunga in Chikwawa District.
