The Mtakataka Magistrate’s Court in Dedza on Friday sentenced Abasi John (27) to eight years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for defiling a four-year-old child.
Dedza Police spokesperson Edward Kabango said on Saturday State prosecutor sub-Inspector John Andisen told the court the convict committed the crime on July 11 2011.
“John took the young girl to a nearby grocery where he promised to buy her sweets and biscuits.
“Upon return from the grocery, he defiled the girl and threatened her not to reveal what had happened,†said Kabango.
He said the girl reported the ordeal to her grandmother who in turn alerted Mtakataka Police Post.
The convict was found guilty after the State paraded three witnesses against him.
In mitigation, John asked the court for leniency, saying he looks after two orphans.
In his ruling, magistrate Symon Mwambo said defilement is a serious offence which attracts a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
John comes from Chitule Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kachindamoto in the district.
