The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Balaka has convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old man, Joseph Kampande, to 18 years imprisonment with hard labour for the offence of having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl.

State prosecutor Superintendent Bodwin Msukwa told the court that the convict committed the offence on the night of May 7, 2024 at Mangelengele Location in Balaka District where he forced himself on a girl with mental disability contrary to Section 139 of the Penal Code.

While home, the victim heard footsteps heading towards her bedroom and upon looking up she saw the convict and told her that he wanted to have sexual intercourse with her.

Passing sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Joshua Nkhono agreed with the state’s submission and sentenced the convict to 18 years imprisonment with hard labour.

The convict, Joseph Kampande, hails from Phimbi Village in Traditional Authority Nkaya in Balaka District.