Mbala Man Jailed 40 Years for Defiling Baby

The Kasama High Court has sentenced a 33-year old man of Mbala district to 40 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 3 year old girl.
Appearing before Ndola High Court Judge Emelia Sunkutu was Caleb Simfukwe of Kopalanda village in Mbala district.
Simfukwe was convicted of one count of defilement, contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Facts were that on 4th May 2017, the convict defiled the minor who was left under his care by her parents.
And in mitigation, Simfukwe asked for leniency, saying he was a first offender and that his action was prompted by the devil.
But in delivering judgment, Judge Sunkutu says she had taken into consideration Simfukwe’s mitigation.
She however says blaming the devil for such barbaric action against an innocent child cannot be an excuse.
Justice Sunkutu noted that the defiled child was traumatized and may never be able to form decent relationships in the future.
She noted that it was heartbreaking to see neighbours taking advantage of children who are not able to defend themselves.
Justice Sunkutu says the offence committed by Simfukwe was grave hence it was incumbent upon the courts of law to mete out heavy sentences to deter would be offenders.

Editor