The High Court in Mzimba has today sentenced Stanford Phiri, 39, to 120 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling three girls aged seven, eight and nine years.

High Court Judge Chimwemwe Kamowa sentenced Phiri to 40 years for each case which will run concurrently.

Justice Kamowa has also ordered Social Welfare to take the children to St John of God for counselling and report back to her office after three months.

The case was referred to Mzuzu High Court by Mzimba Senior Resident Magistrate Mathews Msiska.

Phiri defiled the girls on January 17, 2021 in Embangweni, Mzimba.

Phiri hails from Mlefu Village, Traditional Authority Mzukuzuku in Mzimba District.