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 Sub Inspector Ezekiel Kalunga heard that, the convict is the victim’s stepfather. On February 9, 2022 the victim’s mother noticed some changes on her daughter’s appearance which prompted the mother to quiz her.

The victim spilled out to be pregnant for the step father.

Prosecution Kalunga added that the victim revealed to her mother that the act happened several times in November 2021 and was threatened not to report.

The matter was reported at Katema Police Unit where she was issued with a referral letter to the hospital. The results from Katema Health Centre confirmed that the victim is 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 who would suffer if sent to prison but prosecutor Kalunga prayed for a custodial sentence, justifying that the life of a girl child at risk and that such cases are on the increase in the district.

The prosecutor further said 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 and finally slapped him with a 21-year jail term to deter other would be offenders.

Convict hails from Mitulo village, Traditional Authority Chimwala in Mangochi.