Blantyre Central Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced a 35 year old Burundian man, Ngirushuti William to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 14 year old girl contrary to section 138(1) of the Penal code.

According to Blantyre police station deputy public relations officer, Sergeant Aubrey Singanyama, the court heard through state prosecutor Sub Inspector Justice Manolo that during the month of October 2020, the convict gave a lift to the victim who was going to Chilomoni Primary School.

Instead of dropping the victim at her school the convict proceeded with her to his shop in the same area where he defiled her in his motor vehicle.

Prosecutor Manolo added that the ordeal came to light when the victim’s relatives noticed changes on her appearance who revealed to be pregnant and mentioned the convict to be responsible for her condition.

Appearing in court, William pleaded not guilty to the charge and prompted  the state to parade five witnesses  to prove the case beyond all reasonable doubt.

In mitigation, the convict asked the court’s leniency saying that he has stayed for so long on remand.

In his submission prosecutor Manolo told the court that the convict tried to coax the victim by offering her money amounting to K20,000 to procure abortion hence prayed for stiffer penalty.

Passing the sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Elijah Blackboard Dazilikwiza Pachalo Daniels concurred with the state hence sentenced him to 15 years Imprisonment with hard labour to serve as deterrent to other would be offenders.