The High Court Judge Bruno Kalemba sitting in Kasungu has convicted and sentenced Christopher Simoni, 28, to 40 years imprisonment with hard labour for having sexual intercourse with a 8-year-old girl child, contrary to section 138(1) of the Penal Code.
The court heard through Police prosecutor Sergeant Emmanuel Lukasi that on January 24, 2024, the mother of the victim left her home to Kadondo village to attend a funeral ceremony leaving her daughter with her brother who took an advantage and defiled the girl and further threatened her not to reveal to anyone.
Kasungu Police Station Public relation officer, Inspector Joseph Kachikho said Lukasi further told the court that on January 28, 2024 the mother noticed something on her daughter when asked she reveled the whole issue and then matter was reported to Chamama Police Unit and Simoni was arrested.
“Appearing in court, Simoni pleaded guilty. In his submission, Lukasi asked the court to give the convict a stiff punishment as he intentionally planned to commit the offence, thereby traumatizing the child mentally and physically.
“In mitigation, the convict pleaded for leniency, stating that it was just an illusion and was absent-minded.
Kalemba agreed with the state on all presented facts and convicted Simoni to 40 years imprisonment with hard labour.
Christopher Simoni hails from Msasamuka Village, Traditional Authority Wimbe, in Kasungu District.
