According to Sergeant Gresham Ngwira who is Public Relations Officer for Mulanje Police Station, after sometime her mother observed some strange things on her daughter such as difficulties in walking. When confronted, the girl revealed that she had been defiled by the said man.

“She then reported the matter to Chambe Police Unit leading to the arrest of the suspect. Appearing before first grade magistrate Smart Maruwasa, Mashalubu pleaded guilty to the offence hence being convicted. In mitigation he asked for leniency saying he is a bread winner for his family,” said Ngwira.

Ngwira added that police prosecutor; Sergeant Gladstone Kanyezi asked the court to give a stiff sentence to serve as a lesson. Kanyezi said actions by the accused were exploitive hence the stiff sentence would also deter would-be offenders.

“In his ruling, his worship Maruwasa agreed with the state saying defilement cases are rampart in the district and stiff sentences would be the only option. He therefore sentenced the accused to 14 years imprisonment,” he added.

Masharubu comes from Mulora Village, Traditional Authority Mabuka in Mulanje.