Chitipa Court Slapped Man 14 Years For Chewing Minor

The First Grade Magistrate Court has sentenced a 24-year-old man, Tione Mtambo, to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a two-year-old child in Chitipa District.

The offence was committed on 28 May 2025 at Khunthu Village under Traditional Authority Senior Chief MweneWenya. The court heard that both the convict and the victim come from the same village.

Mtambo was identified by the child’s mother and sister following the incident and was arrested the following day, on 29 May 2025.

During trial, Mtambo pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, after the court heard evidence from the prosecution and witnesses, he was found guilty.

Prosecutor Isabel Mkandawire asked the court to impose a stiff sentence, arguing that the child had been traumatised in all aspects of her life. She further told the court that a tough punishment would act as a deterrent to others who may harbour similar intentions.

In passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Billy Ngosi condemned Mtambo’s actions, describing them as inhuman and saying he “acted like an animal.” The magistrate noted that the offence was aggravated by the fact that Mtambo is married and has a two-year-old daughter of his own, the same age as the victim.

The court sentenced Mtambo to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour, effective from the date of his arrest and Magistrate Ngosi also ordered that the case file be forwarded to the High Court for further review and enhancement of the sentence.