Mzimba man defiles, infects girl with HIV; jailed 12 years
Mzimba Second Grade Magistrate Court has sentenced a 40-year-old man to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for defiling a 12-year-old girl.
State Prosecutor, Yollam Kanyenda, told the court that Eliya Tembo, 14, from Yesaya Shunga Village, TA Mmbelwa in Mzimba, was caught by the victim’s friend.
“Tembo was identified by the victim’s friend who caught him defiling her. She reported the ordeal to the victim’s parents and they took her to Mzimba District Hospital,” he said.
He said medical report indicated that penetration took place and that Tembo, who happens to be an uncle to the victim had infected the victim with HIV.
Kanyenda asked for stiffer punishment to deter would be offenders from committing a similar crime as cases of defilement are high in the district.
Despite the convict pleading for leniency, Second Grade Resident Magistrate, Alexander Gomba said the convict deserved a stiffer punishment.
“With the gravity of the offence, the court does not consider your leniency as the girl has been affected psychologically and her life is not the same as before,” said Gomba
District Gender Officer (DGO), Japhet Chirwa confirmed that cases of rape and defilement are rampant in Mzimba.
These cases are coming at time the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which falls between November 25 and December 10.
The story does not mention the date the crime was committed therefore the assession that the girl was already positive is misplaced. Zikomo kumpando
Musamupase ma ARV bamboyo Ku ndendeko angofa basi. Mfumu nanuso chenjezani anthu ochita zau chitsiru Ngati izi. Mayilo Ena awa ndi life imprisonment. Mafumu wake up. Makolo auzeni ana asalole izi chonde. Kupha mwana wopanda cholakwa.
How long does it take for someone to be diognised of having HIV after sleeping with an infected person? Just a day as the case in this story.
This girl was already positive. The 3months testing determination wasn’t applied here.