A 24-YEAR-OLD man from Chadiza District has been sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment with hard labor for sexually abusing his eight-year-old cousin and infecting her with syphilis.
Innocent Phiri sexually abused his cousin on multiple occasions until she was diagnosed with syphilis at a hospital. Particulars of the offense are that Phiri, on unknown dates between January 1, 2025, and July 30, 2025, in Chipata District, unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the child.
Phiri was convicted by the Subordinate Court and committed to the High Court for sentencing on one count of defilement.
He appeared before Chipata High Court Judge-in-Charge, Justice Kafunda.
During the trial, the court heard that the victim’s mother noticed her daughter was struggling to walk after returning from school.
The mother testified that she asked her daughter to remove her underwear and noticed blood and pus on her private parts.
“At 14:00 hours, I took her to Kavumo Clinic. I was asked what the child had said, and I told them she had said nothing. I was informed the child had syphilis and was told to question her further. I did, but she did not respond at that time,” she said.
The mother said that the child was given medication and later went for a review.
During that time, the child disclosed that Phiri had carnal knowledge of her.
The victim testified that the convict used to sneak into the room where she slept with two others.
She further said that the convict would cover her mouth and threaten to kill her mother if she disclosed the abuse. The victim told the court that she felt pain every time she was sexually assaulted and that Phiri continuously threatened her and her parents to ensure her silence.In sentencing the convict, Mr Justice Kafunda stated that the fact the convict infected the child with syphilis was an aggravating factor. He imposed a 30-year prison sentence with hard labor, effective from the date of Phiri’s arrest.
CREDIT: MAYENGO NYIRENDA/ ZAMBIA DAILY MAIL