LUSAKA WOMAN DEMANDS K12,000 COMPENSATION FROM A MAN WHO IMPREGNATED HER DAUGHTER

A woman from Kabanana township Lusaka Zambia, has taken legal action against a 25-year-old man who impregnated her teenage daughter, demanding K12,000 in compensation for damages.

Bertha Phiri, 45, dragged her daughter Angela Mukuwa, 19, and the would-be father, Clifford Mashinda, to the Matero Local Court after he allegedly failed to offer any form of restitution for the pregnancy.

Phiri told the court that her daughter, a school-going pupil, was a virgin before she began a relationship with Mashinda, which eventually resulted in pregnancy. Upon discovering the pregnancy, Phiri said she handed her daughter over to Mashinda, expecting him to take full responsibility—including helping with morning sickness and cravings—but claimed he failed to make any effort toward compensation.

“It might seem like I have lost respect, but when you were having sex with her, didn’t you know she was still in school?” Phiri asked in court. “Even when you started the relationship, didn’t you know you had to prepare for damages?”

Phiri insisted that Mashinda must compensate her, stating, “Ine mwana sinikongolesa (my daughter is not on credit). Just pay my money and this will all be over.” She warned that if the compensation was not paid, she would consider suing for defilement.

Mashinda admitted to the court that he had made a mistake and accepted responsibility, but explained his failure to pay was due to financial difficulties. “Your Honor, things haven’t been well for me lately, but I will definitely pay once things stabilize. I’m not refusing,” he said.

Despite Mashinda’s explanation, Phiri remained unimpressed, expressing frustration over his inaction and reiterating that her daughter should not be treated as a mere commodity.

In his ruling, Senior Magistrate Lewis Mumba ordered Mashinda to pay the K12,000 compensation, beginning with K2,000 at the end of April, followed by K800 monthly installments until the full amount is settled.

“You are therefore expected to compensate Phiri for the damage. This is your obligation if you wish to move forward with Angela,” Magistrate Mumba concluded.