The First Grade Magistrate Court in Rumphi has convicted and sentenced a 68 – year – old man to 12 years imprisonment without hard labour for being found guilty of molesting his own granddaughter.

The offence contravenes section 137 (1) of the penal code.

“The convict, John Kumwenda, committed the offence in the month of November 2020 at Chiuzero Village near Nkombezi area.

On the material date, Kumwenda sneaked into the bedroom of his granddaughter after his wife went to the garden.” Sergeant Tupeliwe Kabwilo narrated 

He told the victim that he wanted to fulfil his lust but failed as it was against the victim’s desire. He seduced the victim by touching her private parts, before ejaculating on her skirt.

“The victim couldn’t keep it to herself but revealed to one woman who later informed her grandmother.

The matter was reported to Rumphi police station which led to his arrest.

“During court proceedings, Kumwenda denied the charge leveled against him. This prompted the state to parade three witnesses who proved the allegation beyond reasonable doubt.”Kabwilo added

In his submission, State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Paul Phiri said that offences of such nature are felonious in nature and attract stiffer penalty even though the convict was a first offender.

The prosecutor said as a grandparent, he was supposed to have full responsibility of protecting the girl child.

In his mitigation, Kumwenda asked for court’s leniency, saying that he had four wives who depend on him and that he was old.

Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Cuthbert Phiri concurred with state submissions and slapped him with 12 years imprisonment without hard labour.

The convict comes from Chiuzero Village under Traditional Authority Mwankhunikira in Rumphi district.