Police Officer Sentenced to 24 Years for Defilement in Malawi

Sergeant Twaliki Mpaweni, a police officer, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for defiling a 14-year-old girl while she was in police custody. The prosecution sought a 45-year term, while the defense proposed 18 years, citing Mpaweni’s first-time offender status. Justice Sankhulani noted the need for a substantial sentence due to Mpaweni’s role as a law enforcer. The defense is considering appealing the decision.

A police officer in Malawi, Sergeant Twaliki Mpaweni, has been sentenced to 24 years of imprisonment with hard labor after being convicted of sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl at Kachulu Police Post. The incident occurred on August 27, 2023, when the victim was in police custody due to alleged theft. The High Court in Zomba passed the sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crime committed by a law enforcer.

During the proceedings, Counsel Rodney Mkweza, representing the state, recommended a 45-year sentence due to the serious nature of the offense. In contrast, Counsel Hanleck Davie Ching’anda from the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau urged for a lesser sentence of 18 years, citing Mpaweni’s status as a first-time offender. However, the court deemed a substantial punishment necessary.

In his ruling, Justice Dick Sankhulani highlighted that Mpaweni’s position as a law enforcer exacerbated the gravity of the crime. He acknowledged that while a harsher penalty was warranted, he considered Mpaweni’s status as a first-time offender and the loss of his job. Consequently, the judge imposed a 24-year sentence instead of the more severe options proposed.

Following the sentencing, Counsel Ching’anda expressed his dissatisfaction with the 24-year term and indicated a potential appeal. He conveyed that he would discuss with his client the possibility of challenging the sentence in the Supreme Court, aiming for a reconsideration based on their original request for a lesser punishment.

The sentencing of Sergeant Twaliki Mpaweni to 24 years in prison underscores the judiciary’s stance on offenses involving minors, especially by those in positions of authority. The case highlights serious considerations related to the responsibilities of law enforcement and the legal system’s response to such breaches of trust. While the convict’s first-time offender status influenced the final sentence, the possibility of an appeal signifies a continued debate over appropriate punishment in such cases.

Original Source: malawi24.com