Mangochi First Grade Magistrates Court on Monday started hearing the case of one, Symon Mtalika, 66, who was arrested for allegedly defiling a 10-yr-old step granddaughter.

Mtalika allegedly committed the offense on the night of February 17 this year at Kela Village in Traditional Authority Mponda, Mangochi, according to state prosecutor, Sub-Inspector Maxwell Mwaluka.

The court heard that the minor, a Standard three learner, reported the matter to her head teacher four days after the incident had happened and that the head teacher, with the help of Girl Guide matrons and Mother Group Support members followed up the matter.

They reported to Makokola Police Unit, who moved in and arrested the suspect on February 21 this year.

A medical report on the girl did not only confirm that she was defiled but that she had also been infected with a sexually transmitted disease, according to Mwaluka.

During plea, Mtalika pleaded not guilty and denied the charges which prompted the court to parade three witnesses, including the minor.

But in her testimony, the girl told the court that on the material day, Mtalika sent a message at around 8:00pm for the girl to come to his grocery shop to collect money for use at home and that when she arrived at the shop the old man dragged her into the shop and allegedly defiled her.

“He threatened to kill me and bury my body where nobody could find it if I reveled so I stayed quiet because I was too scared,” the girl explained.

“It was when our life skills teacher taught us about where to report when one is abused or when ones rights are violated that I gathered courage to report the matter to the head teacher,” she added.

In cross examination, the defendant asked the girl why she did not report the matter to her grandmother. But, in her response, the girl said she feared that her grandmother would not believe her.

The state prayed to the court for adjournment of the case to ask another witness, a medical practitioner, to interpret the medical report.

Mangochi First Grade Magistrate, Roy Kakutu has since set April 7 this year as the date for further hearing of the case.

According to Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer, Rodrick Maida, defilement cases in the district have been on the increase with nearly 15 cases already reported this year.