A 17-year-old boy from Nakonde District has been sentenced to serve 30 months at the Nakambala Reformatory School, after pleading guilty to defiling his 7-year-old sister.
The Nakonde Magistrate Court passed the judgement on the teenage defendant, taking into account his admission of guilt in the case.
The offence happened between July 1 and 31, 2024, while the siblings were staying at their aunt’s home.
The heartbreaking truth of the abuse was exposed when the victim confided in a relative about the ordeal she had suffered at the hands of her older brother.
The family member, horrified by the child’s revelation, took swift action by reporting the matter to the police.
The authorities arrested the teenage offender, leading to his eventual prosecution and sentencing.
Chete FM reported that during the hearing, a juvenile inspector from the department of social welfare told the court that the boy had a history of drug abuse, aggressive behaviour, and disobedience, raising concerns about his character.
The Department of Social Welfare, having observed the teenager’s troubled past and concerning character traits, recommended that he be sent to a reformatory school as a means of rehabilitation and correction.
In her ruling, Magistrate Faith Mkandawire emphasised the necessity of rehabilitation and public safety, given the severe nature of the offense and the juvenile’s troubling character and history.
Accordingly, the magistrate ordered the teenager to be sent to a reformatory school, where he could receive the necessary support and intervention to address his behavior and prevent future violent acts.
“The court has considered the social welfare report, which highlighted the juvenile’s character and prior conduct,” she said.
Magistrate Mkandawire underlined that her ruling was designed to tackle the juvenile’s behavioral concerns, providing him with the chance for redemption and subsequent reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen.
She underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of his destructive behavior and ensuring he received the necessary support for rehabilitation.
The Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022 served as the legal basis for the recommendation that the juvenile be committed to the Nakambala Reformatory School.
By Sharon Zulu
Picture for illustration
Kalemba August 4, 2025
