By Chisomo Phiri
Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s court has on December 29, 2023 convicted and sentenced a 40-year-old Prophet and founder of Supernatural Embassy Ministry, Christopher Phiri for having sexual activity with his 16-year-old biological daughter.
During court proceedings, Mangochi Police Station Prosecution Officer Inspector Amos Mwase jointly with Brenda Khwale, Counsel for Centre for Human Rights, Education, Advice and Assistant and Rehabilitation (CHREAA) told court that, Phiri committed the an abominable act between September to November, 2023, at Kela village under Traditional Authority Mponda in the district.
The victim had been staying with her mother after her parents divorced when she was 2-years old until September this year when the convict requested the victim to be staying with him.
The court also heard that earlier in November, rumours started speculating that the victim was being forced to perform wife duties.
On November 28, Police were tipped by members of the community about the incident which prompted them to summon the two separately for interrogations.
During the process, it was discovered that the rumours were true after police found nude pictures and pornographic videos of the two in their mobile phones leading to his arrest.
Appearing in court, Phiri who was represented by Counsel Smart khalifa pleaded guilty to the charges of having sexual activity with a child and indecent assault respectively.
In mitigation, the convict asked for court’s leniency saying he is the first offender while blamed his daughter for seducing him.
In submissions, the state reminded the court to reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed.
Additionally, the convict’s behavior was so vile and became a danger to his own child by depriving sexual pleasure on her hence prayed for a custodial sentence.
Passing sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the state and cited that the convict’s behavior is contrary to godly behavior.
He therefore, sentenced him to 19-years for having sexual activity with a minor and 13-years imprisonment with hard labour for indecent assault.
All sentences to run concurrently.
Phiri hails from Manjawira village, Traditional Authority(T/A) Phambala in Ntcheu district.
