First Grade Magistrate Court in Mangochi, has convicted and sentenced 49-year-old Man 14 year’s imprisonment with hard labor for defiling a 16-year-old girl.
State Prosecutor, Blessings Madikhula identified the convict as Awali Labana who defiled the girl on 7th November 2022, an allegation which Labana denied, leading the state to parade five witnesses including the victim.
In her testimony presented off-record, the victim alleged that Labana had sexual intercourse with her more than three times.
Labana warned the victim to tell no one about what had happened but the victim reported the matter to her aunt, who later reported the matter to police.
In mitigation, the convict asked for a lesser sentence, saying he is a father to seven children and his sentence would be a great blow to his family.
In his ruling, First Grade Magistrate, Roy Kakutu called the defense baseless, saying it was unfortunate that such acts were still rampant despite stiff penalties being handed out.
He finally sentenced Awali Labana to 14 years imprisonment with hard Labour for defilement.
