By Innocent Manda

Lilongwe, June 11, Mana: A28-year-old man, Raffick James, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison by the Lilongwe Magistrate Court for defiling and impregnating a 13-year-old girl.

According to Lilongwe Police Spokesperson, Inspector Hastings Chigalu, the offence occurred in December last year in Chinsapo area.

The court heard from Sub Inspector Florence Mlanje that the accused lured the victim and her peers to his home under the pretext of offering them temporary work.

He then locked the girl inside, threatened her with violence, and committed the offence.

Police say the victim remained silent due to fear for her life. However, the case came to light in March this year after it was discovered that she was pregnant.

James, also popularly known as Mdyomba, was arrested and charged.

Senior Resident Magistrate Bracious Kondowe sentenced him to 19 years in prison, dismissing his plea for lenience as a first-time offender.