The court heard through State Prosecutor, Sub inspector Mary Mbutuka that Mpereka employed the girl on 25th March 2022, to take care of his 5 year- old son, since he was on separation with his wife.

However, Sub Inspector Mbutuka said that on a night between the 11th and 12th April, 2022, Mpereka who was staying at Sumbi Village in Monkey Bay, went to the girl’s bedroom where he asked to have sex with her, but she refused.

“He then threatened to sack and send her back home, but the girl still refused and Mpereka went on to undress, defiled her and repeated the same on the following day,” explained Sub Inspector Mbutuka.

According to Mbutuka, the girl revealed the matter to Monkey Bay Police Station where investigations were carried out.

Appearing in court, the accused voluntarily admitted to have defiled her and in her submission, Sub Inspector Mbutuka told the court that cases of such nature are increasing in the area and peoples hope for protection remains in the hands of the courts, hence requested for stiffer punishment to deter the would-be offenders.

However, in his mitigation, Mpereka asked for leniency saying he is taking care of his 5 year- old son and he is a breadwinner.

Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Mtunduwatha Mpasu, concurred with the State and sentenced him to 14 years Imprisonment with hard labour.

Mpereka hails from Masinde Village, Traditional Authority Chigalu in Blantyre District.