The Neno First Grade Magistrate court has today 11th May, 2026 sentenced a Primary School teacher Innocent Misomali, 34, to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for having sexual intercourse with a 9-year-old pupil, contrary to section 138 (1) of the Penal Code.

The court heard through State Prosecutor Inspector Levison Musote, that on 6th May, 2025, Misomali who is a special needs teacher at Mapanga Primary School, asked the victim to clean plates and as she was cleaning the plates, Misomali followed her and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her.

Musote further informed the court that the victim reported the ordeal to her elder sister who informed her mother who later took the girl to Matope Health Center for medical examination and treatment before reporting to Matope Police Unit. 

Medical report from Matope Health Centre revealed that the girl was indeed canary known and this prompted the police to institute investigations leading to the arrest of Misomali.

Appearing before court, Misomali pleaded not guilty to the offence of having sexual intercourse with a minor and this forced the state to palade four witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

In his aggravating factors, Musote asked the court for a stiffer punishment citing that Misomali's conduct is a disgrace to the teaching profession as teachers are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the pupils and not to victimize them.

In mitigation, Misomali asked the court for leniency saying that he is a first offender, he has served the civil service for a long time and he has benefits after retirement and that he also looks after his late brother's children and his immediate family.

Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Margret Khobiri concurred with the State and sentenced Misomali to 14-years imprisonment with hard labour, effective from the day of his arrest.

Innocent Misomali comes from Zalewa village, Traditional Authority Symon in Neno district.