First Grade Magistrate court sitting in Phalombe , has convicted and sentenced a 45-year old man, to 12 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl.

Phalombe Police Station Public Relations Officer, Jimmy Kapanja confirmed the development and identified the convict as Alfred Kamoto.

According to Kapanja, on Thursday saying the court heard through state prosecutor, Sub Inspector Lawrence Kambale that between the month of November and December, 2023, the convict had been having carnal knowledge with the victim who revealed the ordeal after she was accused of stealing the maize flour of the convict.

Kapanja explained; “When the mother of the victim asked her the reason she stole maize flour, the girl disclosed that she did it because Kamoto failed to fulfill his promises after sleeping with her.”

Appearing before Magistrate Leonard Mtosa, Kamoto pleaded guilty for the charge leveled against him and in mitigation asked for lenience saying he is the bread winner of the family, but the state quashed his mitigation considering the seriousness of the offence and how similar cases are increasing in the district.

Magistrate Mtosa then convicted and sentenced the convict to 12 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.