Mangochi, Aug 1, Mana: Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate Court on Wednesday convicted and Sentenced Erick Abasi, 22, to 16 years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) after finding him guilty of having sexual intercourse with a 10-year old girl, contrary to Section 138 of the Penal Code.

The court, learnt through Mangochi Police Station Prosecution Officer, Inspector Amos Mwase that Abasi committed the offence on July 21 2024, around 1800hrs at Ntanga Village in Senior Chief Chimwalas area in the district.

Mwase further told the court that Abasi met the victim at her grandfather’s compound where he asked her to escort him to his house.

“On the way, Abasi gave the minor K2, 000 as a way of persuading her to continue escorting him but upon arrival at his house, a friend who was around advised the convict that it was inappropriate to bring home a girl child at that odd hour”.

“The suspect decided to take the victim back and on the way, he assaulted her before defiling the minor and fled the scene,” added Mwase.

The State Prosecutor said the victim later confided in her grandfather about the traumatic experience, who reported the incident to police.

“The victim was referred to Chiponde health facility for a medical examination which confirmed that she had indeed been sexually assaulted,” said Mwase.

Appearing before Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande, Abasi pleaded guilty to the charge leveled against him hence prompting the court to convict him upon his own admission and the facts presented by the state.

In submission, Mwase prayed for a custodial sentence, stating that the convict compromised the victim’s dignity and that sexual assault cases are rampart in the district.

In mitigation, Abasi asked the court for leniency, saying he did not waste court’s time adding that he was a breadwinner and if sent to prison, his family would suffer in his absence.

When passing sentence, Magistrate Chande said that the offence Abasi committed was serious, as such, showing him mercy would encourage others to indulge in the malpractice.

He therefore sentenced him to 16 years imprisonment with hard labour, to serve him a lesson and also deter would be offenders.

Abasi comes from Balura Village, Traditional Authority Chowe in Mangochi.