Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Malawi Voice
Published on 2024-03-07 15:43:33
Mzimba First Grade Magistrate Loness Gumbo recently handed down a verdict in a disturbing case of abduction and indecent assault in Jenda Trading Centre, sentencing 51-year-old Musa Ali Phiri to five years’ imprisonment with hard labor. The incident involved Phiri abducting two young girls, both aged six and from his neighboring family, on August 15, 2023, and holding them captive until the following day.
The girls were lured by Phiri under false pretenses of buying them snacks, only to be taken to an undisclosed location where he subjected them to indecent assault by touching their private parts. Thankfully, the girls were able to disclose the traumatic experience to their parents, who promptly reported the incident to the authorities leading to Phiri’s arrest.
During the court proceedings, Phiri denied the charges brought against him. However, the state, represented by police prosecutor Reverend Gondwe, presented compelling evidence from five witnesses to establish Phiri’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a plea for leniency before the sentencing, Phiri expressed concerns about his family’s welfare, citing that he was the sole breadwinner for his two wives and children. Despite his plea, Magistrate Gumbo upheld the severity of the crimes committed, ruling that Phiri’s actions of assault and abduction violated sections 136(1) and 135 of the penal code, respectively. As a result, Phiri was sentenced to five years of imprisonment with hard labor.
The judgment serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society, especially children, from such heinous acts of abuse and exploitation. The sentencing reflects the court’s commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
It is crucial for communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may jeopardize the safety and well-being of individuals, particularly children. By standing together and actively addressing such issues, we can create a safer environment where everyone can thrive without fear of harm or exploitation.
The case of Musa Ali Phiri serves as a sobering example of the consequences that individuals face when they commit criminal acts against defenseless victims. Let this verdict serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate engaging in similar reprehensible behavior, reinforcing the message that such actions will not go unpunished.
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