The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Balaka has sentenced 68-year-old James Thom to 21 years in prison for defiling his 12-year-old daughter.

Police spokesperson Gladson M’bumpha said the court was told that the incident happened on November 30 this year in Zalimu Village. The girl had finished washing dishes and went to rest in her room. Thom entered the room, grabbed her by the neck, and assaulted her.

After the attack, the girl ran to her aunt’s house to report what had happened.

M’bumpha said Thom admitted to the crime.

Thom comes from Zalimu Village, under Senior Chief Nkaya in the district.