The Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate’s (SRM) Court has convicted and sentenced a 37-year-old man, Robert Nkhoma to spend 16 years in jail for having sexual intercourse with a minor which contradicts sections 138 (1) of the Penal Code.
The court heard through state prosecutor Sub Inspector Patrick Phambana from Kawale Police Station that the convict and the victimised girl were staying within same compound and that the convict started to coax the girl, register his presence through gifts and some cash .
Sub Inspector Patrick Phambana further told the Court that, after winning the girl’s heart in August 2023 the convict started his sexual advances towards the girl, and promised her a smart phone, his demands were granted with ease. And records indicates that they have been doing it times without number from August to December 2023.
Being tired of this, towards end of December the girl refused to grant the wishes of Robert Nkhoma prompting him to demand his Smart Phone back.
The girl, being quiet aware that the phone was given in exchange of sexual services, she refused to give back and went into hiding at her Aunt’s house. The convict followed her, and it’s when the victim revealed the story to her Aunt.
Then, the victim together with the Aunt reported the matter at Area 24 Police Unit where investigations were instituted that led to his arrest after positive test of penetration.
Appearing in Court, Robert Nkhoma pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him, in proving the case five witnesses testified against him.
In his submission, Sub Inspector Patrick Phambana Prayed for deterrent sentence citing that such cases are serious in nature and that the victim suffered life time trauma caused by the convict.
In his mitigation, the convict begged for forgiveness.
Passing Judgement, his worship Wanangwa Nyirenda quashed him and sentenced him to 16 for having sexual intercourse with minor.
Robert Nkhoma hails from Migoshi Village Traditional Authority Kaomba in Kasungu District.
Sub Inspector Mabvuto Precious Phiri
P.R.O-Kawale Police Station
Cell 0995-873467/0884-024149.
Emailphiripreciousmabvuto@gmail.com*