The Zomba Magistrate Court is set to deliver its ruling next month in the case of Twalick Mpaweni, a police officer found guilty of defiling a 14-year-old girl at Kachulu Police Station.

State Prosecutor Rodney Mkweza has requested a 45-year prison sentence, arguing that Mpaweni, as an officer of the law, was fully aware of his wrongdoing.

However, defence lawyer Chibamahara Bright Msyale from the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau has pleaded for a reduced 18-year sentence, citing that Mpaweni committed the offense only once and has a family to support.

Presiding Magistrate Dick Sankhulani has scheduled the sentencing for March 7, 2025. Meanwhile, Mpaweni remains in custody.