Man jailed 14 years for defilement

Chitipa Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 23-year-old man to 14 years imprisonment for defiling a 13-year-old girl in the district.

State prosecutor Oscar Mwamutobe told the court that on March 29 2024 the man met the victim and proposed love to her.

“ However, when the victim refused his advances, he forcibly pulled her into his house and defiled her,” he said.

In court, the man pleaded guilty and the court convicted him on his own plea.

In mitigation , he prayed for leniency, saying he looks after his mother and is also a first offender.

Mwamutobe, however asked the court for a stiffer punishment, saying the convict was aware that the girl was underage but he held her hostage in his house for two days.

He, therefore, told the fully-packed court that a stiffer punishment would deter other would-be offenders.

“Defilement is common in Chitipa District and giving the convict a stiffer punishment is a welcome idea because it will send a strong signal that defilement is a serious offence,” said Mwamutobe.

In his ruling, first grade magistrate Billy Wankaya Ngosi concurred with the State and sentenced the convict to 14 years imprisonment.

Mean while , Chitipa Civil Society Organisation Network vice-chairperson Janet Mhango has commended the magistrate’s court for the custodial sentence.

Mhango, who is also Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace gender coordinator, said the ruling has emboldened stakeholders fighting gender-based violence in the district.

“Such sentences will definitely deter other would-be offenders, thereby contributing to the reduction of GBV cases in the district,” she said.