Man Gets 14 Years For Chewing 6 Year-old Girl in Rumphi

Rumphi First Grade Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced a 57-year-old man to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for being found guilty of defiling a 6-year-old girl.

The court, through State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Malumbo Jere, heard that the incident occurred on April 3, 2025, when the victim was on her way home from school.

The convict followed the victim, grabbed her, and took her into a nearby banana field, where he forced himself on her and later threatened her not to reveal the incident to anyone.

However, the victim revealed what had happened to her elder sister, who in turn narrated the story to their mother, who reported the matter to Hewe Police Post.

Police referred the victim to Katowo Rural Hospital where she was later referred to Rumphi District Hospital for examination and treatment, confirming that the victim was defiled, leading to Wowa’s arrest on April 7, 2025.

The man pleaded not guilty, and the state paraded five witnesses who testified, proving the case beyond reasonable doubt.

In his submission, Jere asked for a stiffer punishment to curb such crimes, as the victims are left with psychological trauma.

The convicted in mitigation asked for the court’s leniency, saying he is old and has family responsibilities. However, Rumphi First Grade Magistrate Cuthbert Phiri agreed with the state, considering the gravity of the crime, and sentenced him to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour.