MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR DEFILING 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN CHURCH TOILET

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

A shocking case of child defilement has led to the conviction and sentencing of 28-year-old Nasoni Moyenda to 20 years imprisonment with hard labor.

The incident occurred on December 23, 2024, at a church in Chiuzira Trading Centre, Lilongwe.

According to Lilongwe Police Public Relations Officer, Hastings Chigalu, Moyenda committed the heinous crime at around 19:30 hours in the church’s toilet.

After the assault, Moyenda gave the victim K500 as a token of appreciation, in an attempt to silence her.

Moyenda pleaded guilty to the charge of having sexual intercourse with a female child.

However, he attempted to mitigate the sentence, claiming he was misled by a witchdoctor who promised him wealth if he engaged in sexual intercourse with a virgin of the victim’s age. Moyenda also claimed to be a first-time offender.

Senior Resident Magistrate Bracious Kondowe rejected Moyenda’s mitigating factors, citing the seriousness of the offense and the need for a stiff sentence.

Kondowe emphasized that the victim was forced into the sexual act without her consent, as she lacks the capacity to provide consent.

The magistrate sentenced Moyenda to 20 years imprisonment with hard labor.