Zomba Senior Resident Magistrate Court has sentenced a 26-year old man to 16 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 9-year-old girl.

According to Zomba police publicist Patricia Sipiliano the court heard through sub-inspector Shimon Joshua prosecutor that the couple was staying together with the victim.

Sipiliano said the incident happened when the wife of the convict was away.

“On 28 December 2020, the wife left for her home village after a quarrel with the convict.

“During the night of 28 December 2020 the convict took advantage and sneaked into the victim’s bedroom where he defiled her,” she said.

The wife returned from the village on December 30, 2020 and noted bad smell from the victim and upon asking her, she revealed that the man defiled her.

The matter was reported to Chingale Police and the victim was referred to Chipini Health Centre for examination and treatment.

In mitigation the convict he asked for forgiveness saying he was a bread winner in his family.

In submissions the state prayed for stiff punishment saying that it was his responsibility to protect the child not to violent her right and also, due to an increase of defilement cases in the district, he deserved a stiff punishment.

Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state and sentenced the convict to 16 years imprisonment with hard labor to deter other would-be offenders.