Teenager Sentenced To 10 Years Imprisonment For Defilement

The Zomba Senior Resident Magistrate court in Malawi has sentenced 19-year-old McDonald Santosi to 10 years imprisonment for defiling a 14-year-old girl.

In court, State Prosecutor Inspector Rodrick Kamuona stated that Santosi committed the crime between October and November 2022 because he was in a sexual relationship with the girl.

Kamuona went on to say that in January 2022, the victim's parents were suspicious of her appearance and dietary choices, prompting them to approach her, and she subsequently confirmed her pregnancy.

The incident was reported to the police, who directed the girl to Zomba Central Hospital, where it was determined that she was 17 weeks pregnant.

Following an invitation from the Zomba Police community policing branch, Santosi was detained.

Santosi denied the charge levelled against him in court, prompting the state to provide witnesses who proved the case.

In mitigation, the inmate asked the court to be kind because he was a first-time offender and the breadwinner for his family.

In his submission, State Prosecutor Inspector Kamuona asked the court to punish the guilty harshly because the offence was serious and to act as a deterrent to would-be criminals.

In his decision, Senior Resident Magistrate Yohane Muthali agreed with the state and sentenced McDonald Santosi to ten years in jail with hard labour.