The Chief Resident Magistrate’s (CRM) Court in Lilongwe on April 20, 2022 convicted and sentenced Hestings Mkwichi 20, to 9 years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for defilement which is contrary to section 138 of penal code.

The court heard through State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Roxy Nsaka of Kawale Police that Mkwichi committed the offence on October 26, 2021 in Kawale 1.

Nsaka brought to the attention of the court that the victim was defiled by the son of the land lord .

Nsaka further told the court that on this material day the victim (name withheld) was coming from the market when he met Mkwichi who tricked her to get inside his house ( boys quarters) where he managed to defile her.

However, a girl who was around the house heard the victim crying, prompting her to alert the victim’s mother. Upon being quizzed, the girl spilled the beans.

The matter was reported at Kawale Police Station where the victim was issued with a referral letter to Kamuzu Central Hospital. This led to Mkwichi’s arrest in November 2021.

Appearing in court, Mkwichi pleaded not guilty to the charge which was leveled against him and this prompted the state to parade 5 witnesses who testified against him.

In his submission, Nsaka told the court that cases of this nature are increasing in Kawale’s policing area and the public looks up to the courts for protection hence prayed for a stiffer sentence to deter other would-be offenders.

In mitigation, Mkwichi asked for leniency saying he is taking care of his old parents and that he is still young for custodial sentence.

Passing sentence, CRM Patrick Chirwa concurred with the state and sentenced him to 9 years IHL.

Mkwichi hails from Chiwere Village, Traditional Authority Chiwere in Dowa District.