First Grade Magistrate in Thyolo district has sentenced a 69 year old man, Benson Harrison to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling his 10 year old granddaughter.

According to State Prosecutor Sub-Inspector Felix Senzani, Harrison dragged the minor in his house where he defiled her after she was sent by her mother on an errand in December 2022.

In addition to that, Senzani said the mother was doubtful on her child’s return and she questioned her but she did not reveal the assault.

The little girl was later taken to Thekerani Health Center in the district where it was proved that she was defiled.

Harrison pleaded not guilty of the charge leveled against him, a development which prompted the court to parade witnesses who testified against him beyond reasonable doubt.

Benson Harrison hails from Chandamale village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Nsabwe in Thyolo.