Nkhata Bay First Grade Magistrate Court sitting at Chintheche has convicted and sentenced a 69 old man to 10 years Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL) for defiling a 14 year old girl at Chintheche in Nkhata Bay district.
The convict Richard Munthali, 69, hails from Watcha village Traditional Authority (TA) Malanda in the district.
State prosecutor George Manda told the court the convict had, since 2018, been giving different gifts such as clothes, a school bag and uniform and having sex with the victim. Manda also told the court the convict was later in 2019 caught making love with the victim at his workplace where he was working as a watchman.
He said this was reported to the victim’s parents who took the matter to Chintheche police station.
“After we received reports from the victim’s parents, we arrested Richard Munthali and we charged him with defilement which contravenes section 138 of the penal code,” Manda told the court.
He further told the court that the medical examination was conducted on the victim and proved that the convict was really sleeping with her.
Appearing in the court, the convict denied the charge. However, the testimonies from three witnesses convinced the court to find the convict guilty.
Manda added that the behavior displayed by the convict is dangerous. He, therefore, prayed for stiffer punishment to deter the would-be offenders.
In mitigation, the convict told the court that he looks after his family hence prayed for leniency.
In passing the sentence, First Grade Magistrate Robert Makaika quashed the mitigation factors and concurred with the state.
Makaika sentenced Munthali to 10 years IHL with effect from the date of arrest.
