Malawi: The Police Force of Kasungu district have arrested 31-year-old Samson Jasten Mbewe for defiling a 14-year-old girl. The incident took place more than three months previously at the Kaluluma forest where the suspect assaulted a teenage girl.
The suspect, Mbewe hails from Matha Village, Traditional Authority Kapelula in Kasungu.
The officials have not revealed the details about the victim’s identity due to safety concerns. The suspect has been presented in a court in front of the Senior Resident Magistrate in Kasungu. He is expected to spend the next 18 years in prison.
Meanwhile, the officials have shared that the Senior Resident Magistrate in Kasungu found him guilty of having defiled a 14-year-old girl. Meanwhile, the Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Bertha Daniel, was present in the court as the investigating officer.
She informed the court that on December 3, 2023, the victim went to Kaluluma forest to fetch firewood. While she was at work in the forest, the convict took advantage to have sex with her.
“When she went home she revealed the story to her aunt. On December 4, 2023 the victim, together with her uncle started searching for the suspect.”
After some time, the suspect was identified by the victim and taken to Ndonda police unit. Mbewe pleaded not guilty in front of the magistrate when he was asked to defend himself.
However, the representatives of the victim presented four witnesses to prove the case.
In his submission, Daniel asked the court for a stiff punishment to deter would-be offenders. The incidents of defiling and rapes in the district have been on the rise in the district.
Passing sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Eliya Zawanda concurred with the state and sentenced him to 18 years Imprisonment with hard labour. The aim of almost two decades of imprisonment was to discourage further incidents of such crime.
The people of the country have appreciated the law enforcement organization for their actions to prevent further actions. The people extended their best wishes to the victim who was assaulted by the convict and celebrated that she was given justice.