Mulanje Man Jailed 14 Years for Defiling Two Minors

The First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Mulanje has sentenced 35-year-old Yohane Nakhuwere to 14 years in prison for the defilement of two girls under the age of 18.

State Prosecutor Hartwell Kachikonga told the court that Nakhuwere coerced the two girls aged 16 and 17 from Ntalika Village, Traditional Authority Njema, into sexual acts.

According to the prosecution, the abuse came to light after both girls were found to be 26 weeks pregnant. Investigations subsequently identified Nakhuwere as the father, leading to his arrest. “The convict lured the girls into these acts by promising them a comfortable life,” Kachikonga informed the court.

Nakhuwere initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the State paraded six witnesses whose testimonies successfully linked him to the crime.

In mitigation, Nakhuwere asked for a lenient sentence, citing that he was a first-time offender. However, Prosecutor Kachikonga argued for a custodial sentence, stating that Nakhuwere had a duty to protect the minors rather than exploit them.

Passing his judgment, First Grade Magistrate George Chimombo concurred with the prosecution’s request for a stiff penalty. He emphasized that the gravity of the offense required a sentence that would serve as a deterrent to other would-be offenders.

Magistrate Chimombo subsequently ordered Nakhuwere to serve 14 years in prison with hard labor.