Court puts Malemia’s reign on edge

The Malemia traditional leadership in Zomba may soon need a new custodian after a court judgment put Senior Chief Malemia’s reign in serious doubt.

The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court sentenced the chief, whose real name is Loyd Clement, to 21 years in prison after finding him guilty of having sexual relations with a minor and assisting in procuring an abortion.

Senior Resident Magistrate Elija Daniels sentenced Clement to 21 years’ imprisonment for having sexual relations with a minor and a further nine years for assisting in procuring an abortion.

The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning he will serve a total of 21 years in prison.

In passing sentence, Magistrate Daniels said the court considered the seriousness of the offences and the fact that the convict, as a traditional leader, had abused his position of authority.

Commenting after the ruling, Senior State Advocate Naarai Longwe from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said the prosecution was satisfied with the judgment but was awaiting confirmation by the High Court.

Meanwhile, defence lawyer Patrick Debwe said he would first consult his client before deciding whether to file an appeal.