The First Grade Magistrate Court in Mkulula, Dowa, has sentenced 39-year-old Shadreck Nkhanizimatha to 17 years imprisonment for defiling his own 16-year-old biological daughter.

Kanengo Police spokesperson Gresham Ngwira said Nkhanizimatha was arrested after being suspected of committing the offence on December 24, 2023 while the girl’s mother was away at the market.

During trial, State Prosecutor Patrick Mandanda told the court that the victim confided in her mother, leading to the matter being reported to police. Four witnesses were paraded by the State, all of whom corroborated the victim’s testimony.

Despite pleading not guilty and later asking the court for leniency, the prosecution pushed for a stiff penalty, arguing it would serve as a deterrent to other would-be offenders, espe

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