By 
High Court Judge Susan Wanjelani has sentenced a 55-year-old man to 40 years imprisonment with hard labour for sexually abusing his 13-year-old biological daughter, describing the act as a grave betrayal of trust.
Bernard Ndubula of 10 Miles Township in Lusaka pleaded guilty to incest charges before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, where he claimed it as the “devil’s work.”
Judge Wanjelani condemned the abuse, stressing that the position of a father is one of respect and trust, meant to protect, not harm.
“Considering her age of 13 years, the victim will live with the stain and trauma for the rest of her life. Whilst I acknowledge that the convict did not waste the court’s time by pleading guilty, it does not take away the impact his actions have had on his daughter,” she said.
The judge said the sentence was meant to reflect the seriousness of the offence and to allow the convict time to reflect and atone for his actions.
“In taking into account his mitigation, and also to give him enough time to atone for his wrongdoing, I sentence the convict to 40 years imprisonment with hard labour, effective October 21, 2024—the date he was taken into custody.”
According to court evidence, on October 5, 2024, the victim had been sleeping at a neighbour’s house when Ndubula called her back home under the pretense of having bought her schoolbooks.
He assured her she could feel safe in the house even though her mother was away in another township.
Read More: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court to rule on police officer’s AK 47 theft case on August 2
However, once she returned, Ndubula’s demeanor changed. He entered her bedroom wielding a knife and threatened to kill her if she screamed or told anyone what he was about to do.
He then locked the door, covered her with a blanket, undressed her, and defiled her.
The next morning, the girl confided in a neighbour, who advised her to inform her elder sister.
Together, they reported the matter to their mother, and the case was eventually brought to the police.
Ndubula was convicted by Magistrate Mutinta Mwenya, who later committed him to the High Court for sentencing.
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.
Comments