Man to spend 13 years in jail for raping 16 year old girl in Thyolo
Published on June 19, 2026 at 8:05 AM by Edgar Naitha
The chief Resident magistrate court in Thyolo has convicted and sentenced a 35 years old Evance Shembani to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 16 years old girl.
State prosecutor, Ishmael Abubast told the court the offence occurred at Chirombo Village under Traditional Authority Chimaliro in Thyolo District.
According to the prosecution , the Victim frequently visited Shembanis household to watch television.
Shembani allegedly took advantage of his wife’s absence and sexually abused the girl .
The abuse came to light on 29 May 2026, when Shembani’s wife caught him in the act with the survivor inside a toilet and immediately reported the matter to the police leading to his arrest.
Medical examinations confirmed that the victim had been subjected to repeated sexual abuse.
During court proceedings, Shembani pleaded guilty to the charge but asked for leniency, citing his family responsibilities and the fact that he supports several orphans.
However, the State sought a stiff sentence, arguing that Shembani had violated the rights of a child he was expected to protect.
In her ruling, Chief Resident Magistrate Shyreen Yona Chirwa concurred with the State’s submissions, emphasizing the gravity of the offence and the need to protect children from abuse.
She subsequently sentenced Shembani to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Shembani hails from Chilombo Village under Traditional Authority Chimaliro in Thyolo District.
Man to spend 13 years in jail for raping 16 year old girl in Thyolo
