By Evance Chisiano
Mangochi, October 14, Mana: The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Mangochi Wednesday convicted and sentenced a Mangochi District Hospital Clinician to 19 years imprisonment with hard labour for being found guilty of raping a 20-year-old woman in a hostel at Mangochi District Hospital.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Amos Mwase told the court that George Gwagwala, 31, was on duty as a clinical officer on August 8 this year at Mangochi District Hospital where he met the woman in a casualty ward receiving medical attention on her painful ankle.
“The clinician told the patient to follow him up to his hostel room where he locked a door and forced himself on the woman, injuring and tearing her clothes in the process,” said Inspector Mwale.
He said the matter was reported to Youth Net and Counseling (YONECO) for attention before it was further brought to Mangochi Police for further attention,
He added that the victim was also referred to Mangochi District Hospital for a test that proved that she was really raped.
Appearing before the Senior Resident Magistrate, Gwagwala pleaded not guilty to rape charges and this prompted the state to parade four witnesses that all testified against the clinician.
In mitigation he asked the court for leniency saying that his family invested a lot in his education such that all would be wasted once he was sent to prison.
The state however disregarded his appeal for leniency considering that the clinician took advantage of the victim’s condition thereby violating the patient’s right for medical attention.
Inspector Mwase further said Gwagwala’s immoral behavior dented the image of medical practitioners hence the need for stiffer penalty.
Gwagwala comes from Helema Village, Traditional Authority Khwethemule in Thyolo.
Passing judgment, Senior Resident Magistrate, Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state on the gravity of the offence.
He therefore sentenced Gwagwala to 19 years imprisonment with hard labour to serve a lesson to would be offenders.
