Thyolo’s Senior Resident Magistrate, Asunta Maxwell, has sentenced 57-year-old Suzumila Primary School headteacher, John Rodrick Sanani, to 21 years in prison for defiling two underage learners. State prosecutor Felix Senzani informed the court that in May and September 2022, Sanani engaged in inappropriate conduct with two female learners under the age of 16 at the school.
During the proceedings, the defense sought leniency, citing the headteacher’s age and loss of pension benefits, while the state underscored the breach of trust between Sanani and the victims. In her ruling, SRM Maxwell concurred with the state, acknowledging the prevalence of such cases in the district and emphasizing the imperative to protect the girl child.
John Rodrick Sanani, a resident of M’mamera village, Traditional Authority Mabuka in Mulanje, is now serving his 21-year prison term.
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