Mzuzu Man Jailed 8 Years for Attempting to Sell His Own Daughter

The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Mzuzu has convicted and sentenced 37-year-old Gedion Chavula to eight years imprisonment with hard labor for intending to sell his own child.

The court, through state prosecutor Superintendent Bettie Msowoya, heard that on November 8, 2024, Chavula called a Mzuzu-based businessman (name withheld) and offered to sell his daughter for 50 million Kwacha to boost his business.

The businessman initially refused but thought it wise to accept the deal and inform the police.

On November 12, 2024, they communicated and agreed to meet in Mzuzu city at Kukoma shop.The convict sent for his daughter from Katowo, where she stays with her aunt, instructing her to meet him at Rumphi town under the pretext of taking her to Mzuzu to buy provisions. They met the businessman in Mzuzu, who had already informed the police, and Chavula was arrested.

Appearing before the court, he denied the charge, but the state presented three witnesses, which led to his conviction.

In mitigation, he asked the court for leniency, citing that he is a first-time offender. However, the state prosecutor argued for stiffer punishment.

She told the court that the convict committed a serious offense, exploiting his position as a father without conscience.

Passing sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Ashford Harawa concurred with the state, noting that the child trusted Chavula as her father, but he betrayed that trust.

He added that fathers value their positions, but Chavula did not. Therefore, he sentenced him to eight years imprisonment with hard labor.

Chavula comes from Kawilu Village, Traditional Authority Zolokele in Rumphi District.