Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Mzimba has convicted and sentenced Chikondi Alexander, aged 23, to 19 years jail term for defiling a 15 year old girl around Kanjuchi in February this year.

Jenda police spokesperson Martha Msamali said the convict was arrested by members of community police, in April this year.

Senior Resident Magistrate, Mathews Msiska slapped the convict with 19 years jail term to protect young girls from these barbaric actions.

Malawi has registered a sharp increase in rape and defilement cases in the past months forcing authorities to push for stiffer punishment.