The First Grade Magistrate’s court sitting in Mzimba district has convicted and sentenced a 19-year-old man to 8 years imprisonment with hard labour for having sexual intercourse with a girl with mental disability.

Presenting the facts in court, the State Prosecutor Sergeant Reverend Gondwe said identified the convict as Mphatso Phiri who was caught in an act during the night of 23 April, 2023 by villagers at Perete area.

He was then taken to Emfeni Police Unit which is under Jenda Police Station by community members.

Appearing before court, Mphatso pleaded guilty to the offense, and he however asked for leniency from the court, stating that he is an orphan and he committed the offense under the influence of alcohol.

In his antecedents, Gondwe asked for a stiffer punishment to deter would be offenders, bearing in mind that cases of this nature are rampant in the area and it would not send a good message if those found guilty of sexual related cases are given lesser punishment.

In passing the sentence, her Worship Loness Gumbo concurred with the state and slapped Mphatso with 8 years imprisonment with hard labour.

Mphatso Phiri hails from Chulu village, Traditional Authority Khosolo in Mzimba District.