Father Gets 8 Year Jail-term For Attempting To Sell His Own Daughter In Mzuzu

The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Mzuzu has sentenced Gedion Chavula, a 37-year-old man from Kawilu Village in Rumphi District,to eight years imprisonment with hard labor for attempting to sell his own daughter.

Chavula offered to sell his child to a Mzuzu-based businessman for 50 million Kwacha, claiming he needed the money to boost his business.

Deputy Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu Police Station Cecelia Mfune has confirmed the development.

Mfune said the court heard that Chavula’s daughter was staying with her aunt in Katowo and was deceived into meeting him in Rumphi town, supposedly to buy provisions in Mzuzu.

Fortunately, the businessman had already informed the police, leading to Chavula’s arrest on November 12, 2024.

In court, Chavula denied the charges but was convicted based on testimony from three witnesses. While he requested leniency as a first-time offender, the state prosecutor pushed for a harsher sentence, emphasizing the severity of exploiting his position as a father without conscience.

Senior Resident Magistrate Ashford Harawa agreed with the state, highlighting the betrayal of trust and the value of parental positions.