According to Lingadzi Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Constable Maria Kumwenda, the court heard through state prosecutor Sub inspector Caroline Sagawa that, in early March 2024, the victim and the convict who happened to be neighbors met at Kauma market in the district.

Ibrahim ordered the victim to follow him and they ended up to a certain rest house at Kauma. Whilst there, he forcefully had sexual intercourse with her and later gave her K10,000 to zip up her mouth.

Sagawa further said, in early April 2024 Ibrahim learnt that the girl is pregnant for him and gave the victim K6,000 to abort the pregnant. On this day, he had also sexual intercourse with the girl.

In June 2024 , Mother to the victim noticed some body changes to her daughter. Upon asked her, she narrated that she has been having sexual intercourse with Ibrahim and the matter was reported to Lingadzi Police following his arrest.

In court, Ibrahim Mulira pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against him. In her submission, State Prosecutor Sagawa prayed for meaningful punishment citing that these cases are rampant and has violated girl’s rights.

Passing the sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state’s submissions and slapped Ibrahim to 16 years imprisonment with hard labour to deter other would be offenders.

Ibrahim Mulira hails from Malajira village in the area of Traditional Authority Chikowi in Zomba district.