The High Court sitting in Kasungu has convicted and sentenced a 28-year-old man to 40 years in prison with hard labour for defiling an eight-year-old girl, which is contrary to Section 138 sub-section 1 of the Penal Code.

Kasungu Public Relations Officer, Inspector Joseph Kachikho,has confirmed the development and identified the convict as Christopher Simoni.

According to Kachikho, Simoni committed the offense on January 24th of this year at Msasamula village, T/A Wimbe in Kasungu. He was entrusted with the care of the girl while his sister attended a ceremony at Kandodo village.

Upon her return, the sister noticed unusual movement in the girl, and upon questioning, the girl revealed the ordeal. The matter was reported to Chamama Police Unit, and Simoni was subsequently arrested.

During the court proceedings, the police, through prosecutor Sergeant Emmanuel Lukas, asked the court to impose a stiff punishment as a deterrent to would-be offenders.

However, Simoni sought leniency, citing that he was a first-time offender and that the crime occurred due to illusion and absent-mindedness.

In his ruling, Judge Bruno Kalemba agreed with the state, emphasizing the need for a significant sentence considering the offender’s age and the circumstances surrounding the offence.