Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday sentenced Stewart Bello to 14 years in prison with hard labour for raping and impregnating his 15-year-old stepdaughter.
The court through state Prosecutor Sub Inspector Maggie Chibulire heard that, the victim and her four siblings were left in the custody of the convict after their mother died in 2019.
In April 2020, the stepfather started demanding sex from the child in order for him to continue taking care of her and the siblings.
The victim rebuffed the advances by her stepfather but the man dragged the victim and forced himself on the girl on several occasions.
Prosecutor Chibulire added that, in October 2020, the girl’s relatives from her mother’s side discovered that she was pregnant. After being quizzed, the victim who now has a 4-month old baby boy revealed the rape and mentioned the stepfather to be responsible of her condition.
The matter was reported at Mangochi Police Station where she was issued with a referral letter and the results from Mangochi District Hospital confirmed that the victim was 2 month pregnant.
Appearing in court, the man pleaded not guilty to the charge prompting the state to parade three witnesses who testified against him.
In mitigation, Bello asked for the court’s leniency, saying that he is a first offender and a breadwinner to his family but Prosecutor Chibulire prayed for a stiffer sentence, saying such cases are on the increase in the district which has put the life of a girl child at risk.
Furthermore, Chibulire said, as a parent, the convict was supposed to protect the girl as a daughter instead of exploiting her.
Passing judgement, First Grade Magistrate Mtunduwatha Mpasu concurred with the state and finally slapped him with a 14- year jail term to deter other would be offenders.
Bello hails from Chomba village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi.
