Kamuzu Barracks soldier jailed 20 years for raping, impregnating 15-year-old

A 36-year-old Malawi Defence Force soldier based at Kamuzu Barracks, Diof Simaone, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping and impregnating a 15-year-old girl.

Simaone was found guilty by the Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court after the State proved that he had sexual intercourse with the girl four times between April and August 2025.

Police prosecutor Thandizo Chingaru told the court that three of the incidents happened at a guest house in Area 44, while another took place at Simaone’s house.

The court also heard that Simaone later told the girl’s mother that he had impregnated her and promised to support her.

However, he did not provide the promised support, and the girl gave birth to a baby boy in January this year.

The girl’s mother, who works as a civilian cleaner at Kamuzu Barracks, later reported the matter to Area 23 Police Unit, leading to Simaone’s arrest.

Simaone denied the charges during trial, forcing the State to call four witnesses to prove the case.

The court eventually found him guilty.

During mitigation, Simaone asked the court for forgiveness and pleaded with the court not to send him to prison, saying this would make it difficult for him to support the girl and her child.

He also asked the girl, her mother and Malawians to forgive him, admitting that what he did was wrong.

But prosecutor Chingaru asked the court to impose a stiff sentence, saying Simaone, as a soldier, was expected to protect the girl.

Senior Resident Magistrate Bracious Kondowe has since sentenced Simaone to 20 years imprisonment.

The court said the sentence should also serve as a warning to others, considering the position Simaone held.

Simaone comes from Nakoka Village under Traditional Authority Mwambo in Zomba District.