Zomba Magistrate Court has sentenced Kumbukani Issa, also known as “Prophet Joshua,” to 25 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl.

According to state prosecutor Peter Njilagoma, the incident occurred in February last year.

The prophet, who is 23 years old, told the girl that God had revealed to him that she would be his future wife and persuaded her to start a romantic relationship with him. Later, the girl was found to be pregnant.

Although Prophet Joshua denied the charges, he was found guilty based on the testimony of four witnesses.

In his ruling, Magistrate Texious Masoamphambe found. Prophet Joshua guilty and sentenced him 25 years imprisonment with hard labor.

Kumbukani Issa Prophet Joshua hails from Chidothi village under Traditional Authority Chimaliro in Thyolo District.