The Chikwawa Senior Resident’s Court has convicted and sentenced a 39-year-old man, Chisomo Thomas, to 20 years imprisonment with hard labour for having sexual intercourse with his 12- year-old biological daughter.

The court through state prosecutor Superintendent Ian Ntaba heard that Thomas committed the offence on April 23, 2023.

Appearing before court, Thomas pleaded not guilty to a charge of having sexual intercourse with a minor which is contrary to Section 138 of the Penal Code.

This prompted the state to parade six witnesses who testified on the case beyond reasonable doubt.

In his submission, state prosecutor Superintendent Ntaba narrated to court that as a biological father, Thomas was responsible to take care of his daughter from any sexual abuse.

He added that the daughter has been psychologically affected since the accused has been showing her the pornographic movies from his phone then having sexual intercourse with her more than three times.

In mitigation, Thomas asked court to give him a lenient sentence, considering that he has a baby who needs support from him and that he is the breadwinner for the family.

Passing sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Byson Masonga concurred with the state and sentenced the convict to 20 years Imprisonment with hard labour to deter other would-be offenders.

Chisomo Thomas hails from Mbenderana Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kasisi in Chikwawa District.