The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court sitting in Mkukula on August 06, 2022 convicted and sentenced Jose Tito, 21, to 8 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 15 year-old girl in Lumbadzi.
The court heard through state prosecutor Inspector Aufi Ali that Tito on February 26, 2022 at Kanama village in Lumbadzi – Lilongwe had carnal knowledge with the girl under the age of 16.
Inspector Ali further told the court that the accused was in a relationship with the victim since 2021. Whilst in the relationship, he impregnated the victim and promised to marry her a thing he denied later after impregnating the victim.
Her mother reported the matter to Lumbadzi Police Station where a medical form was issued and the suspect was later arrested.
Appearing in court, the convict pleaded not guilty to the charge of defilement, prompting the state to parade 3 witness who testified against him.
Passing his judgement, Senior Resident Magistrate Montfort Misunje showed satisfaction with the evidences given and convicted him accordingly.
In mitigation, the convict pleaded for leniency saying he has responsibility over his grandparents and a child of his late brother.
In his submission, Inspector Ali prayed for stiffer custodial sentence to him to deter other would be offenders citing that the mission was well planned, the victim had a burden of pregnancy and the prevalence of defilement cases in the country.
Passing sentence, Misunje concurred with the state and sentenced him to 8 years Imprisonment with hard labour.
Jose Tito hails from Nduwa Village, Traditional Authority Chitukula in Lilongwe District.
Sergeant Felix Kwinyani Public Relations Officer Lumbadzi Police Station
Cell; 0995 334 000
Website;www.police.gov.mw