The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate Court on January 4, 2025, convicted and sentenced Edson Charles, 21, to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old female child.
The court heard through Mangochi Police Station Prosecution Officer (SPO) Inspector Amos Mwase that on July 31, 2024, the victim and her sister went to a nearby market for shopping. At around 7:00 PM, they hired two motorcyclists to take them home. The victim rode with the convict, while her sister was on another motorcycle ahead.
During the journey, the convict deliberately slowed down and diverted into a nearby bush, where he sexually assaulted the victim before proceeding with the journey. Out of fear of her guardians, the victim concealed the incident.
On September 13, 2024, while the convict’s wife was away, he again took the victim to his house near his in-laws. As he attempted to abuse her, two of his in-laws heard the girl screaming for help. They rushed to the scene, opened the door, and caught the convict in the act.
They immediately took him to Katema Police Unit, where the victim revealed that he had previously assaulted her. The police then arrested him.
Appearing before court, the convict pleaded not guilty, but the state paraded three witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In his submission, Prosecutor Mwase emphasized that such criminal acts are becoming increasingly common and called for a stiffer punishment to deter others from committing similar offenses.
Passing sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the state’s submission and sentenced Charles to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.
The convict hails from Matola Village, Traditional Authority Mponda, Mangochi.
Constable Sylvester Kapakasa
Deputy PRO Mangochi Police Station
Cell 0886 674 595/ 0986673055