First Grade Magistrate Billy Ngosi of Nkhata Bay Magistrate’s Court has expressed worry with the high incidences of defilement in the district, which has reported 30 cases since January.
Ngosi made the observation last Friday when he sentenced 23-year-old Gift Dzimbiri from John Zinthuli Village, T/A Mabuka in Mulanje to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for defilement.
“Between January and October there have 30 reported cases, which are quite high compared to the past years. I, therefore, sentence Dzimbiri to serve 14 years imprisonment with hard labour to serve as a warning to would-be offenders,” said Ngosi.
The court heard that on 18 October, a 15-year-old girl (name withheld) went missing from home where she was living with her older sister.
After looking for her for days, the older sister located her sibling at Dzimbiri’s house on 27 October 2015 and took her away.
The matter was reported to the police who referred it to Mzenga Health Centre where it was revealed the girl had been defiled and Dzimbiri was subsequently arrested.
In court, the State, represented by Inspector Evance Kamtukule, asked for a stiff sentence as cases of defilement were on the rise in the district, a sentiment which Ngosi agreed with.
