Court Convicts Soldier for defiling 15‑Year‑Old — Sentencing set for Tuesday

A soldier based at Kamuzu Barracks has been convicted of having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl, leaving her pregnant, after a court heard he abused the child on four separate occasions.

Diof Simaone, 36, was found guilty by the Senior Resident Magistrate Court after prosecutors presented testimony from four witnesses detailing the abuse, which took place between April and August 2026.

Central West Region Prosecutor Thandizo Chingaro told the court Simaone had sexual intercourse with the minor on four occasions during that period, before urging the court to impose the harshest possible sentence, arguing that Simaone had been in a position of responsibility to protect the child rather than abuse her.

In mitigation, Simaone asked the court for forgiveness, telling the magistrate he wanted the opportunity to support the victim and the child born as a result of the abuse.

Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate Bracious Kondowe has reserved sentencing until next Tuesday, when Simaone will learn his fate.