Barely few days after being released from prison where he completed serving a 7-year jail sentence for robbery, Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court on June 22, 2022 convicted and sentenced Abdul Imani, 38, to 21-years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 12-year old Standard 7 girl.

During court proceedings, Station Prosecution Officer lnspector Amos Mwase told the court that, the convict was on June 9, 2022 released from Mangochi Prison after serving a 7-year jail term for robbery.

The next day the victim who was sent by her mother to sell pumpkins met the convict on her way to the market.

The convict stopped the minor in the guise of a customer and convinced the victim to follow him to his house saying he would buy all the pumpkins.

Prosecutor Mwase added that on their way while passing Mpima Forest, the convict dragged the victim into the bush where he defiled her despite screaming and shouting for help.

The victim was later found helpless by passers-by who reported the matter to Mangochi Police Station. The victim was issued with a referral letter and the results from Mangochi District Hospital indicated that the victim was defiled.

Appearing in court the accused person pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against him.

In mitigation the convict asked for court leniency saying that he is an orphan.

In submission, Mwase reminded the court that, lman is a habitual criminal and his behaviour of resistance to change is pathetic and cannot be tolerated in the society.

Passing sentence Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe expressed his concern noting that the ex-convict failed the rehabilitation system hence sentenced him to 21-years imprisonment with hard labour.

Iman hails from Kalonga Village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi.