Mzuzu news Malawi Principal Resident Magistrate court in Mzuzu has convicted and sentenced 26-year-old man, Francis Mhone to 17 years imprisonment with hard labour. The convict had been accused of having sexual intercourse with a 16-years- old girl, which means the girl in question is still a minor.
As per the official court and police records, the convict committed the offense between September and November 2024. The incident has allegedly happened at Msongwe Township in the Mzuzu City.
The circumstancial evidences suggest that the girl was in a long term relationship with the 26 year old convict. The girl who is a minor had spent the night at the house of the convinct on November 19 and is currently pregnant.
The pregnancy and medical reports clarify that the convict was involved in a sexual relationship with the victim. Notably, on 19 November 2024, the parents of the girl noticed that their child did not sleep at home.
Unknown persons gold the parents that their child had been spending the night at the house of the now convicted 26 year old. The parents rushed to the address and found their daughter in the convict’s house.
Juziwel said the issue was reported at Mzuzu police station, and the suspect was arrested consequently. On the other hand, the minor has been sent to the hospital to get herself checked.
“After referring the minor to the hospital for examination, medical findings revealed signs of penetration, and the girl was also found pregnant,” he said.
When passing the sentence, Magistrate Clemence Chamwenda noted that the girl was a minor who could not make informed decisions. As a result of this, it was the responsibility of the convict to protect her.
He therefore sentenced him to 17 years imprisonment to deter other would-be offenders. Anyone under the legal age of 18 is considered a minor and has to be protected from making unconventional decisions.
Sexual relationship with a minor is a legal offence that warrants time in prison and penalty from the court of justice. The convict, Mhone hails from Chibeti Village, Traditional Authority Kabunduli in Nkhatabay District.