10 years IHL for raping step-daughter

Chiradzulu First Grade Magistrate Court has, convicted and sentenced 38 year old Rajab Alidi to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for raping his 17 year old step-daughter, contrary to section 133 of the penal code.

State prosecutor, Spenard Chankhoma, told the court that the girl’s mother and relatives had observed a change in her and her step-father.

He explained; “This led the mother and relatives to question the daughter who later revealed that Alidi, her stepfather had raped her three times between the month of October and December last year while threatening her not to reveal the ordeal”.

The Prosecutor further said that the case was first reported to Namitambo Police Unit which referred the girl to Namitambo Health Center for medical examination where results confirmed that the she had indeed been raped.

Moses, however said appearing in court, Alidi pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape prompting the state to parade three witnesses who testified against him.

Passing judgement, First Grade Magistrate Lameck Mkwapatira concurred with the state by handing down a 10 year jail term to the convict in order to deter would-be offenders.

Alidi hails from Kwitanda Village in the area of Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka District.