Sentencing of police officer who raped poly student set for today

The High Court in Blantyre will this morning deliver a sentence for a convicted police officer Andrew Chagaga for raping twice a girl who was detained in custody at Limbe Police Station.

Since his conviction early last year, Chagaga has been on remand at Chichiri prison awaiting sentencing.

The case was committed to the High Court after the State prayed for a stiffer punishment and that Chagaga should be given a sentence of not less than 42 years considering the sentencing trends in sexual offences.

The victim was arrested for the offence of idle and disorderly under section 180 of the Penal Code.

The offence of idle and disorderly forms part of petty offences that are absurdly broad and give a lot of discretion to the law enforcement officers and are prone to abuse.

The State is being represented by Trevor Mphalale from the Office of the DPP, Ruth Kaima of CHREAA and Chikondi Chijozi of SALC.