Businesswoman Receives 20-Year Sentence for Defiling Mentally Challenged Boy

The Livingstone High Court has handed down a 20-year prison sentence to Jane Imusho, a 36-year-old businesswoman residing at house number A23 Malota in Livingstone. 

Ms. Imusho was convicted of luring and subsequently defiling a 13-year-old mentally challenged boy, an act that transpired over a harrowing two-hour period.

The incident, which occurred on July 30th, 2022, saw Imusho engaging in inappropriate carnal activities with the teenager, who lived in the same neighborhood. Imusho was charged with the defilement of an imbecile.

In mitigation, Imusho’s legal representative from the Legal Aid Clinic for Women, Beatrice Chola, emphasized that her client was a first-time offender and a businesswoman. 

Ms. Chola argued for leniency, stating that Imusho was remorseful, had learned from her actions, and pledged to be a law-abiding citizen.

However, during sentencing, Livingstone High Court Judge Catherine Phiri took into account Imusho’s first-offender status but highlighted the severity of the crime. Judge Phiri noted that the victim, a child with a mental disorder, had experienced a worsening of his condition due to the defendant’s actions.

“The victim of your act is a child; he has a mental disorder, and the report shows that his mental disorder has worsened because of your actions. I hereby sentence you to 20 years of simple imprisonment. This is effective from the date of your arrest on July 30th, 2022,” Judge Phiri declared.

The court clarified that the mandatory sentence for the offense is 14 years imprisonment with hard labor, with the maximum penalty being life imprisonment.

The sentencing sends a strong message about the seriousness with which the court views such offenses, particularly when committed against vulnerable individuals.

Source: DailyTimes