First Grade Magistrate Court in Mangochi on Friday convicted and sentenced Moffat Phiri, 32, to 11 years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) after finding him guilty of committing incest with his 11-year-old daughter.

State Prosecutor, Inspector Lyson Kachikondo, told the court that Phiri committed the office in the months of January and February, 2024.

“The victim’s mother noticed some changes in her daughter’s body and asked her sister to caution her. The victim admitted to have been defiled by her father and got pregnant.”

“The mother lodged a complaint to Monkey Bay Police Station and Phiri was arrested immediately,” said Kachikondo.

Appearing before Magistrate Lawrence Mangani, Phiri pleaded guilty to the offense levelled against him and was convicted.

In submission, the State Prosecutor told the court that although Phiri is a first offender, he deserved a custodial sentence, citing that the behavior shown has no room in the Malawian culture and the girl’s future has been tarnished.

In mitigation, Phiri asked for the court’s leniency saying he is a bread winner for his family.

Passing judgment, Mangani said the court will send the convict to prison for defiling the girl instead of protecting her.

“The sentence I shall give will ensure that you are reformed because you are a threat to the community. This will also be a warning to would be offenders,” Mangani said.

He, therefore, sentenced Phiri to 11 years IHL starting from the day of his conviction.

Phiri hails from Yusufu Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Namkumba in Mangochi.