The Mkukula First Grade Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced Dyson Tchatchatcha, 40, to nine years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for defiling his 6 year-old niece.

The court heard through state prosecutor Inspector Aufi Ali that, on August 11, 2021 at Chikaola village, Tchatchatcha had carnal knowledge of his niece whose parents had gone to attend a tombstone unveiling ceremony in a neighbouring village.

When the victim’s father was informed by wellwishers about his daughter’s scenario, he rushed home and reported the matter to Lumbadzi Police Station who immediately arrested the suspect.

The Police issued a referral letter to the victim and results at Chinkhuti Health Center confirmed that defilement had taken place.

Appearing in court, Tchatchatcha pleaded not guilty to the count of defilement, prompting the state to parade three witnesses who testified beyond reasonable doubt.

In mitigation, the convict prayed for the court’s leniency, citing that he is epileptic and a breadwinner of six children who would suffer if sent to jail.

In his submission, prosecutor Ali pleaded with the court to impose a stiffer punishment considering that the victim had been traumatized.

Ali added that such cases are on the increase in Lumbadzi thereby endangering and violating rights of a girl child despite efforts of Police and other stakeholders in dealing with the vice.

Passing judgement, Thomson Midiasi concurred with the state’s arguments and slapped Tchatchatcha with 9 years IHL to teach him a lesson and deter other would – be offenders.

Tchatchatcha comes from Chikaola Village, in the area of Senior Chief Chitukula in Lilongwe.