By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, February 23, Mana: The Dowa First Grade Magistrate's (FGM) Court has convicted and sentenced an 18-year-old man to 14 years of Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL), for having sexual intercourse with an 8-year-old girl, who is also his niece.

Dowa police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Alice Sitima has identified the man as Anderson Lemekezani of Lichapa 2 village, in Traditional Authority Chiwere in Dowa.

She said the court heard through State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Monica Chafulumira that Lemekezani committed the offence on December 18, 2024 in the same village.

"On the day, the victim went to school but returned at around 9 in the morning. However, the victim's mother was surprised to see her daughter having difficulty sitting down, and when questioned, she failed to explain anything.

"But the following day, when the girl changed her clothes and left them in the kitchen, the mother noticed blood stains and informed her mother-in-law.

"After questioning the victim again, the girl revealed that her uncle had given her juice when she was going to school and later took her to their grandmother's house where he defiled her," said Sitima.

She said the matter was reported to Dowa Police who referred the victim to the hospital for examination where results confirmed penetration.

In court, Lemekezani admitted to the charge levelled against him but during mitigation, asked for leniency arguing he was a first offender.

"The State however asked for a stiffer penalty, arguing that the convict was supposed to be responsible in protecting the victim and other girls in the community, hence the need for a stiffer sentence to deter would-be offenders," she said.

First Grade Magistrate Yohane Nkhata concurred with the state and ordered Lemekezani to serve a sentence of 14 years IHL.