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The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s court yesterday convicted and sentenced Promise Mtambo, 37, to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for having sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl.
State Prosecutor lnspector Shadreck Wisiki told the court that the victim and fellow teammates on May 23, 2023 organized a trip to Monkeybay to play football and netball games and they hired a motor vehicle which was being driven by Mtambo.
Whilst in Monkeybay, the accused proposed the victim but she rejected him. The same day in the evening on their way back, the other teammates were dropped at Sando Area while the victim was to be dropped at Mkwanda Mosque which was the next stage and the driver was aware of it.
Prosecutor Wisiki added that instead the driver cruised with the victim to his house where she was defiled and given K2,000 for transportation.
The victim’s elder sister was suspicious after seeing her returning home very late. Upon being quizzed, she revealed the ordeal to her sister who reported the matter to Makokola Police Unit where she was issued with a referral letter to Koche Health Centre and the results confirmed that she was carnally known.
Appearing in court, Mtambo who was represented by Counsel Smart khalifa pleaded not guilty prompting the state to parade four witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In mitigation, Mtambo asked for court’s leniency citing that he looks after his family who would suffer if sent to prison.
However prosecutor Wisiki quashed his plea while presenting submissions arguing that such cases are on the increase which has put the life of a girl child at risk despite government and stakeholders relentlessly working towards protecting rights of the girl child.
Passing sentence Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the state hence the sentence as a deterrent to would-be offenders.
Promise Mtambo hails Mpaliro village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi district.
