CHIEF SENTENCED TO 21 YEARS IN PRISON FOR DEFILEMENT

The convict requested leniency from the court, claiming that he is the breadwinner and leader of his village.

MALAWI: Chidima Patrick, 37, was found guilty and sentenced to 21 years in jail with hard labour by the Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate's Court in Chilipa for defiling and impregnating his 13-year-old sister-in-law, WRITES SAIDI WINNES.

In November 2021, the convict, who is Village Headman Chalenga and the victim's brother-in-law, induced the victim to sleep with her in the adjacent jungle, according to the court's state prosecutor, Inspector Amos Mwase.

The matter was brought to light in February 2022, when the convict's wife noticed some changes in her sister's look and told her about the ordeal, according to Prosecutor Mwase. She claimed the felon was to blame for her 18-week pregnancy.

When the chief appeared in court, he pled not guilty, causing the state to call four witnesses to testify, proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The convict requested leniency from the court, claiming that he is the breadwinner and leader of his village.

Prosecutor Mwase pleaded for harsher punishment, claiming that the accused was expected to safeguard the girl rather than exploit her as a guardian.

In addition, as a leader, the convict was expected to set an example for his followers.

Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe, in passing judgment, agreed with the state, resulting in the 21-year term to serve as a deterrent to future offenders.

Chidima Patrick is from Mangochi's Chalenga Village, under the Traditional Authority Chilipa.