The First Grade Magistrate Court in Mponela, Dowa, has jailed a 72-year-old man to nine years Imprisonment with Hard Labor (IHL) for having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl.
Mponela Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Tusaghiwe Mwanjoka has identified the convict as John Chidandale of Khote Village in Senior Chief Dzoole in Dowa District, who forced himself on the standard 5 learner.
“The court through State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Ophia N’gambi heard that on October 6, 2024 at around 5 pm, the victim went to her friend’s house to collect money.
“Upon seeing her, Chidandale tried to lure the girl to enter his house, but the girl refused. After his advances were rebuffed, Chidandale grabbed the victims hand and led her into his house where he had forced sexual intercourse with her,” said Mwanjoka.
However, some well-wishers informed the victim’s father that they had seen his child entering the man’s house.
“The victim’s father rushed to the place and found her daughter exiting the suspect’s house. When questioned on what he was doing with the girl in the house, the man failed to explain anything, and was then arrested,” she said.
In court, Chidandale pleaded not guilty to the charge of having sexual intercourse with the girl.
The state paraded five witnesses who helped prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In passing judgement, FGM Talakwanji M’ndala concurred with the state’s plea for a stiffer punishment saying this would serve as a warning to others as cases of this nature are becoming rampant in the area.
He then jailed Chidandale to nine years IHL.
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