Man slapped 14 years jail sentence for raping his mother in-law

The Liwonde First Grade Magistrate Court on June, 7, 2019, Sentenced a 56 year old Tomasi Macheso for Raping his 72 year old Mother Inlaw contrary to section 135 of the Penal Code.

Presenting Facts in Court Prosecutor Sub inspector Roddick Kamuona of Machinga police told the court that during the month of March, 2019, The victim who comes from Jussu 2 Village in Zomba District invited the suspect who is also her son Inlaw to help her weeding in her rice garden and they agreed to pay k 2500. 00 for the work.

Whilst at the rice garden, The suspect grabbed the shoulders of the victim, pushed her down and had forced carnal knowledge. Because of old age, the victim failed to shout for help. Then after the suspect threatened her not to reveal what happened.

Three weeks later the victim started experiencing pain on her back, Opening bowels and Stomachache, then she informed her relatives what happened who later reported the matter to Machinga Police.

On 10th May, 2019 the suspect was arrested and was charged with the offence of rape and he admitted the Charge.

When taken before court he denied the charge this made Prosecutor Kamuona to parade four witnesses who proved the matter beyond reasonable doubt and he was finally found guilty and convicted.

In Mitigation he prayed for fair punishment for he was a first offender and a breadwinner.

In his submission Prosecutor Kamuona said that Rape is a serious offence in nature and that the Accused could be the one protecting such special group of people, instead was the one violating the right of the victim. Therefore he deserved a meaningful punishment.

When Passing Judgment his Worship First Grade Magistrate Jones Masula Concurred with the state therefore sentenced him to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour.

Tomasi Macheso comes from Mtalika village in the area of Traditional Authority Mabuka in Mulanje District.