The Rumphi First Grade Magistrate’s Court at Kamwe in Rumphi District on Monday, convicted and sentenced a 28-year-old Elias Ng’ambi to 14 years Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL) for defiling a 13-year-old girl contravening section 138 (1) of the Penal Code.
According to Rumphi Police public relations officer, Inspector Henrey Mnjere the convict eloped the young girl and stayed with her as his wife for eleven days.
Mnjere said Rumphi police prosecutor, Sub Inspector Andrew Singini, informed the court that, Ng’ambi committed the offence on October 20, 2020 at Kamwe area in Mzimba north.
“After parents noticed their daughter missing, they launched searching until it was discovered that she got married to Ng’ambi and the matter was reported to Rumphi police who arrested him and the charge of defilement was made following a medical report from the hospital.
“Appearing in court, the convict pleaded not guilty to the charge leveled against him, only for the state to parade four witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently the court convicted him,” Mnjere said.
He further said in his submission, state prosecutor, prayed for stiffer punishment to teach him a lesson and deter others from committing similar offence.
In mitigation, the convict prayed for leniency saying he is a first offender and never new age of the girl.
But passing judgment, First Grade Magistrate Cuthbert Phiri concurred with state ‘s submissions and slapped the convict with the 14-year jail term.
Ng’ambi hails from Vinkhumbo Village, Traditional Authority Mtwalo in Mzimba District.
