The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court sitting in Mkukula in Lilongwe has sentenced 21-year-old Jose Tito, to eight years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 15-year-old girl in Lumbadzi with whom he was in a relationship.
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 a 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.
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 witnesses who testified against him.
Passing his judgment, Senior Resident Magistrate Montfort Misunje showed satisfaction with the evidence 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 a stiffer custodial sentence 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 the sentence, Misunje concurred with the state and sentenced him to 8 years of Imprisonment with hard labour.
Tito hails from Nduwa Village, Traditional Authority Chitukula in Lilongwe District.
