Livingstone court jails father, son over defilement of minor

The Livingstone High Court has delivered a decisive verdict in a harrowing case of defilement in which a father and son had unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor.

The girl happened to be the former’s step daughter, according to Zambia Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga.

Joseph Bwalya, aged 55, was sentenced to 30 years Imprisonment with hard labour while his son, Ben Bwalya, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labour.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Hamoonga, said the verdict was delivered on January 12, 2024, following a thorough and impartial trial.

Hamoonga stated that the convicted, both of Macha road, were found guilty of heinous acts of defilement, which involved the abuse and exploitation of a minor, aged 13.

“The court, led by the Judge Catherine Lombe Phiri carefully considered the evidence presented by the prosecution and, after a fair trial, rendered a judgment which reflects the gravity of the crime committed,” he said.

Hamoonga recounted that last year, the Choma Magistrates’ Court found Joseph Bwalya and his son, Ben Bwalya, guilty of defilement and committed them to the High Court for sentencing, noting that the state proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.

“Brief details are that in the first count, Joseph, who is the step father to the Victim, on dates unknown but between December 1, 2022 and January 31, 2023, had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 16,” he said.

He stated that in count two, the step brother to the victim, Ben Bwalya, on dates unknown but between, July, 1 and July, 31, 2022 had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 16.

Hamoonga commended all police officers, legal professionals and support staff involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case for their dedication and diligence.

“Their unwavering commitment to justice has resulted in a successful conviction, sending a clear message that such reprehensible actions will not be tolerated within our society,” he said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.