The Dowa First Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and sentenced Village Head headman Mtsiriza aged 21, to 8 years imprisonment with hard labour for raping 21-year-old woman.
State prosecutor, Inspector Christopher Daluni told the court that on the night of December 25, 2020, the woman’s husband went to attend a Christmas Party within the village leaving the wife alone.
Daluni added that as the woman was fast asleep, she felt someone having sexual intercourse with her and she woke up only to discover that it was the Village Head whose real name is Damiano Chimkango doing this. He further told the court that the woman screamed for help as Chimkango ran away from the house.
Later, the woman reported the matter to Group Village Headman Mtsiriza, who referred the matter to police.
The woman was also referred to Chankhungu Health Centre for medical examination and treatment where it also proved that she was indeed raped as evidenced by semen in her private parts.
The Village Head head, who was at large got arrested on April 6, 2021 and upon interrogation, he admitted to have had unlawful sexual intercourse with the woman.
Appearing before court, he pleaded not guilty to a charge of rape contrary to Section 133 of the Penal Code. This prompted the state to parade four witnesses, leading to his conviction.
In his submission, state prosecutor Inspector Christopher Daluni pleaded for a stiff punishment to the offender, saying the offence committed is serious in nature.
Giving his determination, Magistrate Amran Phiri concurred with the state and sentenced the Village Head to 8 years imprisonment with hard labour.
Magistrate Phiri observed that as a leader, the convict should have been examplary in protecting his surbodinates not raping them saying the sentence will therefore send a strong warning to other would-be offenders.
He comes from Traditional Authority Mkukula in Dowa District.
