MALAWI LAWS: Teen gets 10-years sentence for having sex with fellow teen

The Zomba Senior Resident Magistrate court has sentenced McDonald Santosi, aged 19, to 10 years imprisonment for defiling a 14 year old girl.

State Prosecutor Rodrick Kamuona told the court that Santosi committed the offence between the months of October and November 2022 as he was in a sexual relationship with the victim.

Kamuona further said during the month of January 2022, the parents of victim became suspicious of the girl’s appearance and choice of food which prompted them to confront her, and later confirmed of her pregnancy.

The matter was reported to the police who referred the victim to Zomba Central Hospital where it was confirmed that the victim was 17 weeks pregnant.

Santosi was then arrested following an invitation from the Zomba Police community policing branch.

Appearing before the court, Santosi denied the charge levelled against him which prompted the state to parade witnesses who proved the case.

In mitigation, the convict told the court to exercise leniency citing that he is a first offender and a breadwinner for his family.

In his submission, State Prosecutor Inspector Kamuona told the court to give a stiffer punishment to the convict as the offence is serious in nature, and to serve as a lesson to deter the would like to be offenders.

Passing his judgement, Senior Resident Magistrate Yohane Munthali concurred with the state and sentenced McDonald Santosi to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.

The convict Santosi hails Khaziko village in the area of Authority Malemia in Zomba district.