Chiradzulu First Grade Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 19 year old Martin Edward to 8 years imprisonment with hard labour for having sex with a 13 year old girl.
The Court heard through State Prosecutor Inspector Spenard Chankoma of Chiradzulu Police Station that the convict was in a love affair with the victim since October 2023.
Since the inception of their love in October, the two have been having sex since then.
A month later, the parents to the girl noticed strange behaviour of spending nights out and upon interrogations, she admitted to have been sleeping at the convict’s house.
The matter was then reported to Namitambo police unit where the girl was given a referral letter to Namitambo health center where it was confirmed that the convict carnally knew the victim.
Appearing before court, Edward pleaded not guilty prompting the state to parade four witnesses who proved the case against him.
In mitigation, the convict prayed for leniency to the court when passing its sentence saying that he is a first time offender and that he has responsibilities.
Inspector Spenard Chankoma, asked the court to slap the convict with stiffer punishment saying the offence is serious in nature.
Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Smart Maruwasa, concurred with the state that such offences are rampant in the country.
He then went on to slap Edward to 8 years imprisonment with hard labour to serve as a deterrent to other would-be offenders.
Edward hails from Chikhwaza Village Traditional Authority Boidi in Thyolo district.
Source: Mij Online
