The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court sitting in Lilongwe on March 16, 2022 convicted and sentenced a 25 year old Chikaiko Laston Dunga to seven years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 12 year old girl.

This is contrary to section 138(1) of the penal code.

Police prosecutor, Sub Inspector Tisungane Makiyi told the court Dunga has been sleeping with the victim since 2019 before being arrested in 2020.

Makiyi further said Dunga convinced the minor to be in sexual relationship with him.

Chikaiko denied the charges which prompted the state to parade five witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt that the offence was indeed committed.

In submission, the state pleaded for a stiffer punishment because these cases are becoming rampant in various communities.

Makiyi also asked for immediate custodial sentence to deter other would be offenders.

Senior Resident Magistrate Wanangwa Nyirenda was convinced and concurred with the fact that defilement has become rampant.

The sentence to run from the day of arrest.

Chikaiko Laston Dunga, 25, hails from Mchepa Village in Traditional Authority Chauma in Dedza.