Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chief Editor
Published on 2024-03-12 03:12:09
A 29-year-old stepmother residing in the Apollo Military Camp in Lusaka West has recently been convicted of assaulting her 4-year-old stepson and sentenced to seven years of simple imprisonment. Longwe Ngosa, the now-convict, had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault on a child, as per Zambian law. The assault allegedly took place between April 1 and July 31, 2023.
The case came to light after a video interview with the child’s teacher was widely circulated on social media. The footage showed the young boy’s body covered in whip marks, implying that they were inflicted by his stepmother. The evidence presented during the trial was compelling, with Magistrate Mutinta Mwenya stating that the prosecution had successfully proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
During sentencing, Magistrate Mwenya expressed shock at the severity of the injuries sustained by the child, noting that it was evident the victim knew his assailant. The court allowed the state prosecutor, Joe Phiri, to present a victim impact statement, which was supported by Maxwell Mambwe, the child’s grandfather. Mambwe expressed his distress upon seeing his grandson’s condition and emphasized that the scars would forever serve as a reminder of the traumatic experience.
The state highlighted the significant impact of the injuries on the child’s body and urged the court to impose a substantial sentence on the convict. Despite being given an opportunity to mitigate her actions, Ngosa chose to remain silent throughout the proceedings.
In her final ruling, Magistrate Mwenya sentenced Ngosa to seven years of simple imprisonment, with the sentence to take effect from the day of her arrest. The court’s decision reflected the seriousness of the offense and aimed to serve justice for the young victim.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from abuse and neglect. The legal system plays a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served for those who have been wronged.
As society continues to address issues of child abuse and violence, it is essential for individuals to speak up and report any suspected cases of mistreatment. By working together, communities can create a safer environment for all individuals, especially children who are more susceptible to harm. The conviction of Ngosa and the subsequent sentencing highlights the commitment to upholding justice and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Read the original article on Lusaka Times
