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The Dalton Magistrate Court in Limbe, has sentenced Cedric Liwonde, 31, to 6 years imprisonment with hard labour for indulging into sexual intercourse with a 17-year old mentally challenged girl.
The court heard through state Prosecutor, Sub Inspector Steven Mpira, that Liwonde on July 20,2023 had sexual relations with the minor as established by a medical examination report at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) where she was referred for treatment after the ordeal.
Prosecutor Mpira added that Liwonde on three occasions harboured the girl at his house.
It was further heard that, mother to the victim on that particular Sunday, her daughter had not been seen at their home for too long which prompted the mother to start looking for her.
In her searching, she was tipped that her daughter was seen washing plates at the convict’s house.
Upon confirming this, she reported the matter to Limbe Police Station where officers arrested Liwonde and the minor was taken to QECH for medical examination.
Appearing in court, Liwonde pleaded not guilty arguing that he was in a love affair with the girl and had planned to marry her prompting the state to parade three witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In his submission, State Prosecutor Mpira prayed for a stiffer sentence citing that Liwonde planned to defile the minor knowing that she has mental challenges.
Passing sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Sajida Maiden slapped Liwonde with a 6 year jail term with hard labour as a deterrent to would-be offenders.
Liwonde hails from Mwakhiwa village, Traditional Authority Juma in Mulanje district.
