The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Zomba has found Senior Chief Malemia guilty of having sexual relations with a minor and aiding in procuring an abortion.
Delivering the judgment, Senior Resident Magistrate Elija Daniels said the court was satisfied with the evidence presented by the complainant and her father, which was not challenged by the defence.
The ruling was delivered in the absence of the chief’s lawyer, Patrick Debwe, who was not present in court.
Magistrate Daniels noted that the offence of having sexual relations with a minor carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, while aiding in procuring an abortion attracts a sentence of up to 14 years in prison.
The court has directed both the State and the defence to file their submissions by July 24, ahead of sentencing.
Police prosecutor Superintendent Josephine Hlupekire Chigawa said she was satisfied with the conviction and confirmed that the State will submit its documents within the stipulated period.
The court is expected to determine Senior Chief Malemia’s sentence at a later date.
