Police Officer Receives 24-Year Sentence for Defilement in Malawi

Sergeant Twaliki Mpaweni was sentenced to 24 years in prison for defiling a 14-year-old girl in police custody. The state sought a 45-year sentence, while the defense requested 18 years, citing the officer as a first-time offender. Justice Sankhulani imposed 24 years, considering both the severity of the crime and Mpaweni’s status. The defense counsel is considering an appeal.

In a recent ruling from the High Court in Zomba, Police Officer Sergeant Twaliki Mpaweni received a 24-year sentence with hard labor after being convicted of engaging in sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl at Kachulu Police Post. This incident occurred on August 27, 2023, when the girl was in police custody for theft allegations.

Before the sentencing, Counsel Rodney Mkweza, representing the state, urged the court for a 45-year sentence, emphasizing the seriousness of the offence. Conversely, Counsel Hanleck Davie Ching’anda from Malawi Legal Aid Bureau, defending Mpaweni, requested an 18-year term, highlighting that his client was a first-time offender.

Justice Dick Sankhulani noted that Mpaweni, as a law enforcement officer, was fully aware of the gravity of his actions. The judge mentioned that the crime warranted a harsher penalty, particularly due to the serious nature of engaging with a minor in custody. Nonetheless, the sentence considered Mpaweni’s status as a first-time offender and the fact that he had already lost his job, leading to a decision of 24 years.

Counsel Ching’anda expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, reiterating his preference for an 18-year sentence. He indicated plans to confer with his client on potential appeal measures to elevate the matter to the Supreme Court.

The ruling against Sergeant Twaliki Mpaweni underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against offenses involving minors, particularly by those in positions of authority. The court deemed a 24-year sentence appropriate, balancing the crime’s severity against Mpaweni’s status as a first-time offender. Moving forward, his defense counsel is contemplating an appeal to challenge the sentence.

Original Source: malawi24.com