Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court convicted and sentenced White Sabineti, 68, to 11-years imprisonment with hard labour for raping a 21-year old epileptic patient contrary to section 132 of the Penal Code.
The court through Prosecutor Sub Inspector Emmanuel Kambwiri heard that, the victim has been in that condition for a long time and the convict was consulted to help her with traditional medicine.
On August 18, 2021, the convict visited the victim for progress after he had administered the medicine for few days.
Kambwiri added that, the convict requested the victim to follow him to his house for further medication.
Surprisingly, the convict took the victim into a nearby bush where he raped her and was seen by by-passers before he fled.
The matter was reported at Malombe Police Unit where she was issued a referral letter and the results from Malombe Health Centre confirmed that the victim was raped.
Appearing in court, Sabineti pleaded not guilty to the charge prompting the state to parade four witnesses who testified against him.
In mitigation, the convict asked for the court’s leniency citing that he takes care of his 18 children and grandchildren who will suffer if sent to prison. However, the state quashed his appeal saying that, the convict took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability.
The prosecutor further said that, the convict’s immoral behavior could also dent the image of traditional healers hence the need for a stiff and custodial sentence.
Passing sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state, hence the 11-year sentence to serve as a lesson to other would be offenders.
Sabineti hails from Mgona Village, Sub Traditional Authority Chiunda in Mangochi.
Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
PRO-Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
Email:mamateps1152@gmail.com