The Lilongwe Principal Resident Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Chaka Chavula, 33, to 21 years imprisonment for defiling a child aged six.
State prosecutor Ned Mkandawire told the court that in August 2024, Chavula was entrusted to look after his brother’s daughter during school holidays.
“However, during their stay at his house, the man took advantage of her,” he said.
Mkandawire said Chaka put onion in the victim’s private parts, claiming that it will produce
some substance and he eventually inserted his manhood.
He further told the court that Chavula threatened the child not to reveal the ordeal to anyone, but she revealed it to her mother who reported to Kawale Police Station.
In court, the man pleaded not guilty, but the State paraded three witnesses who proved the case against him.
In mitigation, he prayed for leniency, saying he was a first offender and a breadwinner for his family.
On his part, Mkandawire asked the court for a stiffer custodial sentence considering the trauma caused to the girl and as a deterrent to other would-be offenders.
In his ruling, principal resident magistrate Rodrick Michongwe agreed with the State and handed the convict 21 years for defilement and six years for indecent assault, both sentences to run concurrently.
Chavula comes from Zolokere Village, Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe in Rumphi District
