By Chrissy Nkumba

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate Court on February 16, 2022 convicted and sentenced Nicko Amos, 41, to 21 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling and impregnating his 14-year-old stepdaughter, contrary to section 138 of the penal code.

The court through state prosecutor Ezekiel Kalunga heard that, on February 9, 2022 the victim’s mother noticed some changes on her daughter’s appearance which prompted her to quiz the victim.

The victim revealed to her mother that her stepfather on several times in November 2021 forced himself on her and threatened her not to report the matter.

The matter was reported at Katema Police Unit where the victim was issued with a referral letter to the hospital. The results from Katema Health Centre confirmed that the victim was 3 months pregnant.

Appearing in court, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against him.

In mitigation, Amos asked for the court’s leniency, saying that he is a breadwinner to his family and the family will suffer if he is sent to prison.

However, prosecutor Kalunga said the convict was to be handed a custodial sentence, justifying that the life of a girl child is at risk now because of his actions and that such cases are on the increase in the district.

The prosecutor added that as a parent, the convict was supposed to protect and not exploiting the young girl.

Passing judgement, Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state before slapping the accused with a 21-year jail term as a way of sending a strong message to other offenders.

Convict hails from Mitulo village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Chimwala in Mangochi.