The Senior Resident Magistrate’s court in Kasungu has convicted and sentenced a 25-year-old Lysani Taulo to 12 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 13-year-old mentally disturbed girl.

According to State prosecutor Sergeant Bonex Banda, the convict invited the survivor to his house where he defiled her and told her not to reveal to anyone.

The State further told the court that when the girl reached home, she disclosed the ordeal to her parents who eventually reported the matter to community policing members who arrested Taulo and brought him to police.

Sergeant Banda said: “The survivor was referred to Kasungu District Hospital and examination results revealed that she was indeed defiled.

“Appearing in court, Taulo pleaded not guilty, and this prompted the State to parade three witnesses to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.”

In his submission, the State prayed for a stiffer punishment saying the convict planned to do the act instead of protecting the girl knowing her condition.

Pronouncing his sentence, Magistrate Eliya Zawanda concurred with the State`s submission hence convicting and sentencing Taulo to 12 years imprisonment with hard labour to deter other would-be offenders.

The convict hails from Chimelera Village, Traditional Authority Kawamba in Kasungu District.

 Additional reporting by Sub Inspector Joseph Kachikho, Public Relations Officer – Kasungu Police Station