Police Officer Receives 24-Year Sentence for Defilement in Malawi

Sergeant Twaliki Mpaweni, a police officer, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for defiling a 14-year-old girl. The High Court considered both the gravity of the crime and Mpaweni’s status as a first-time offender, who has also lost his job. His defense counsel intends to consider appealing the sentence to the Supreme Court.

The High Court in Zomba has sentenced Sergeant Twaliki Mpaweni, a police officer, to 24 years of hard labor for engaging in sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl, whom he kept in custody for theft allegations at the Kachulu Police Post on August 27, 2023. The court’s decision follows a conviction of a serious offense, highlighting the gravity of the case.

During the proceedings, Counsel Rodney Mkweza, representing the state, urged the court to impose a 45-year sentence, emphasizing the severity of Mpaweni’s actions. Conversely, Counsel Hanleck Davie Ching’anda from the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau asked for leniency, recommending an 18-year term given that Mpaweni was a first-time offender.

Upon delivering the judgment, Justice Dick Sankhulani acknowledged that Mpaweni, as a law enforcer, was fully aware of the consequences of his actions involving a minor in custody. Though he recognized the need for a harsher punishment, he also considered Mpaweni’s status as a first-time offender and his job loss, ultimately settling on a 24-year sentence.

Counsel Ching’anda expressed dissatisfaction with the 24-year sentence, claiming it contradicted his plea for a lesser penalty. He indicated that he would review the case with Mpaweni regarding the possibility of appealing the sentence to the Supreme Court for reconsideration.

In conclusion, the High Court’s sentencing of Sergeant Twaliki Mpaweni to 24 years in prison represents a significant response to a serious crime committed by a police officer. The court balanced the need for justice against the convict’s status as a first-time offender while emphasizing the responsibility of law enforcers to uphold the law. Counsel Ching’anda’s expressed intent to appeal reflects ongoing legal considerations surrounding the case.

Original Source: malawi24.com