On Friday, July 7, 2023, the Senior Resident Magistrate Court sitting at Chiwamba in Lilongwe sentenced a 30-year-old man, Wanaloli Kalinga, to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling her 12-year-old step-daughter.
Police prosecutor Sub Inspector John Bottoman of Kanengo Police Station earlier told the court that Kalinga had been defiling the girl since 2021 while her mother was away. He said each time he defiled the girl, Kalinga warned her not to reveal.
According to Bottoman, Police arrested the man this year following a complaint from the victim’s mother who observed strange behaviour from her.
But when he appeared before Magistrate Montfort Misunje, Kalinga pleaded not guilty to defilement forcing the Police to parade four witnesses who testified against him.
In submission, prosecutor Bottoman asked for a stiff sentence describing the act by Kalinga as not only unfortunate, but also irresponsible. Bottoman further wondered why someone having responsibility to look after children can do such a thing saying such people should be thrown out of society.
Although the convict asked for leniency, the court agreed with the Police submissions for a stiff sentence.
Senior Resident Magistrate Misunje therefore sentenced Kalinga to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour saying the sentence should send a warning to other men with similar intentions.
Kalinga hails from Mwenefufwa Village, Traditional Authority Mwaulambia in Chitipa.
Reported by Tess Adams.