According to Paul Malimwe who is Deputy PRO at Nkhotakota police said Magistrate Fred Chilowetsa who presided over the case in his ruling explained that such malpractice is future threatening to young school going girls.

"The parents trusted and hoped for your help as a herbalist, yet you brought more harm than help. To such people you need a tough custodial sentence to cut communication with the general public," said the Magistrate when passing his ruling.

According to the state prosecutor Sergeant Cosmas, on June 25, 2017 the convict went to the victims home to administer the herbs to the girl. This followed an approach by her parents to the witchdoctor after the girl developed eyes and healing problems.

“Unfortunately on the material day, the victim was found alone giving room to Kachingwe fulfill his evil mind. He coaxed the girl and took her to a nearby bush where while in the act passersby noticed but he fled away however, he was apprehended the following day,” explained Police Deputy PRO.

The state paraded three witnesses casting out doubts on the allegation as the convict denied the charge.

“Magistrate Chilowetsa then convicted Kachingwe to 12 years imprisonment with hard labour to deter would be offenders,” added Malimwe.

The convict hails from Jinga village in the area of Senior Chief Kanyenda in Nkhotakota district.

In a related development, the same court convicted a 58 year-old man Harrison Nasaniyeri to 10 years IHL for defiling a 15 year-old girl student at Kasipa primary school in the district.

Nasaniyeri hails from Tambala village in the area of Traditional Authority Mwadzama in Nkhotakota.