According to the court documents, the four defiled the girls who are under the age of 16 in the district.

One of the convicts Joseph Matiki, told the court that he defiled the victim at Malamulo Airfield in the district because "the girl used to provoke me."

After parading several witnesses, state prosecutors Editor Kansisi, Abigal Mayuni and Ishmael Abubast collectively told the court that the four, were a threat to a girl child, hence praying for a custodial sentence to serve as deterrent, saying the cases are alarming in the district.

Meanwhile, Senior Resident Magistrate Assunta Muwalo Maxwell, has sentenced in a row, Ronnex Kozani aged 24, Ganizani William 22, and Pirato Patrick 22, to 21 years each for the offense.

Taking his turn, First Grade Kondwani Chinangwa, has also handed over a 14-year sentence to Joseph Matiki aged 24, who has also been found guilty of defiling a minor.

Reports from court and social welfare office are indicating that at least three girls are being sexually assaulted in Thyolo District every week.