A 19-year-old man in Salima District has been sentenced to eight years in prison with hard labor for raping a seven-year-old boy.

Prosecutor Pemphero Dzanjalimodzi told the court that the accused, George Chikumbutso, raped the boy on March 9 in Silino Village, Khombedza District, when the boy was returning from play.

Chikumbutso dragged the boy to a nearby bush and sexually assaulted him.

Passers-by heard strange moaning sounds from the bush and rescued the boy.

Chikumbutso pleaded guilty and requested a lighter sentence, claiming this was his first offense.

However, the prosecution requested a severe sentence, arguing that Chikumbutso practices traditional witchcraft and that the boy is still traumatized.

First Grade Magistrate Anthony Banda sentenced Chikumbutso to eight years in prison to serve as a lesson to others.