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The Nkhata Bay First Grade Magistrate Court sitting at Chintheche has convicted and sentenced 69 year old Richard Munthali to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 14 year old girl at Chintheche.
Kondwani James, Nkhata Bay Police Publicist, said the State prosecutor informed court that the convict who worked as a watchman has since 2018, been giving the girl different gifts such as clothes, a school bag and a uniform and having sex with her.
“The prosecutor Sub Inspector George Manda further told the court that the convict was later, in 2019, caught making love to the girl at his work place.
The victim’s parents took the matter to Chintheche police leading to the arrest of Munthali who was charged with defilement which contravenes section 138 of the Penal Code.” Explained Nkhata Bay Police Publicist
Accordig to James, Medical examination conducted on the victim proved that the convict was really sleeping with the girl though Munthali denied the charge when appearing in court.
“However, testimonies by three witnesses helped the court to find the man guilty. Before the court passed sentence, prosecutor Manda said the behaviour displayed by the convict was dangerous. He therefore prayed for a stiffer punishment to deter the would-be offenders.” Said James
“In mitigation, the convict told the court that he looks after his family hence prayed for leniency. But, First Grade Magistrate Robert Makaika quashed the mitigiting factors and concurred with the state and proceeded to order Munthali, who hails from Watcha Village in the area of TA Malanda in the district to serve a 10-year jail term with effectfrom the date of arrest.” Narrated the Nkhatabay Police Publicist
Source: BeyondFM
