The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Blantyre has sentenced a 28-year-old man, James Mtope, to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for raping an 8-year-old standard one learner.
The court through state prosecutor Sub-Inspector Jimmy Matandika heard that on August 14, 2022, the convict took to his house an 8-year-old standard one learner and raped her.
According to Blantyre Police Deputy spokesperson Sergeant Aubrey Singanyama , State prosecutor Sub-Inspector Matandika, further told the court that on August 18, 2022, mother to the victim noticed that her daughter was having difficulties in walking and upon being asked the child revealed that she had been raped.
The matter was reported at Manase Police Unit who issued the victim with a medical referral letter and the results from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital came out positive.
Appearing before court, Mtope pleaded not guilty to the charge prompting the state to parade five witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In mitigation, the convict asked for a lenient sentence, citing that he is a breadwinner to his family.
In his submission state prosecutor Sub Inspector Matandika said such cases are on the rise and the offence was well planned hence the convict deserved a custodial sentence to deter would be offenders.
Passing sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Martin Chipofya concurred with the state’s submission and sentenced Mtope to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour.
James Mtope comes from Pensulo Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kuntaja in Blantyre District.
