A classroom meant for learning turned into a hunting ground after a teacher allegedly promised a teenage learner good grades in exchange for sex, a crime that has now landed him behind bars.
A Salima First Grade Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 32-year-old primary school teacher to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) after finding him guilty of having sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old Standard Eight learner.
The court convicted Dunken Phiri, a teacher at Kapiri Primary School, of an offence contrary to Section 138 of the Penal Code.
State prosecutor Inspector Justice Manolo told the court that Phiri committed the offence on February 2, 2026, at the school in Salima District.
According to Manolo, the learner had reported for afternoon studies and joined other pupils in class as usual. At around 6 p.m., Phiri allegedly called her to his office and asked her to have sex with him, promising to do everything possible to ensure she passed her examinations in return.
The court heard that the learner agreed to the proposal and accompanied the teacher to a nearby maize garden, where they had sexual intercourse.
However, unknown to the pair, other learners had followed them and witnessed the incident.
Upon realising that he had been seen, Phiri fled and remained at large for several months.
Police later arrested him on May 23, 2026, at Nnema Village in Salima.
During sentencing submissions, the State asked the court to impose a stiff penalty, arguing that teachers have a responsibility to protect learners from abuse and exploitation.
In mitigation, Phiri pleaded for leniency, citing family obligations.
Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Imran Phiri agreed with the State and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour, saying the punishment would serve as a deterrent to other would-be offenders.
Phiri hails from Manowa Village under Traditional Authority Kambwiri in Salima District.
A Salima First Grade Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 32-year-old primary school teacher to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) after finding him guilty of having sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old Standard Eight learner.
The court convicted Dunken Phiri, a teacher at Kapiri Primary School, of an offence contrary to Section 138 of the Penal Code.
State prosecutor Inspector Justice Manolo told the court that Phiri committed the offence on February 2, 2026, at the school in Salima District.
According to Manolo, the learner had reported for afternoon studies and joined other pupils in class as usual. At around 6 p.m., Phiri allegedly called her to his office and asked her to have sex with him, promising to do everything possible to ensure she passed her examinations in return.
The court heard that the learner agreed to the proposal and accompanied the teacher to a nearby maize garden, where they had sexual intercourse.
However, unknown to the pair, other learners had followed them and witnessed the incident.
Upon realising that he had been seen, Phiri fled and remained at large for several months.
Police later arrested him on May 23, 2026, at Nnema Village in Salima.
During sentencing submissions, the State asked the court to impose a stiff penalty, arguing that teachers have a responsibility to protect learners from abuse and exploitation.
In mitigation, Phiri pleaded for leniency, citing family obligations.
Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Imran Phiri agreed with the State and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour, saying the punishment would serve as a deterrent to other would-be offenders.
Phiri hails from Manowa Village under Traditional Authority Kambwiri in Salima District.
