‘Forgive me’: Convicted soldier apologises to 15-year-old victim

A 36-year-old Kamuzu Barracks soldier convicted of having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl has asked for forgiveness.

Diof Simaone was found guilty on Friday, August 28, 2026, by Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court after the State proved its case against him.

Central West Region Police prosecutor Sub-Inspector Thandizo Chingaru told the court that Simaone had sexual intercourse with the minor four times between April and August 2025—three times at a guest house in Area 44 and once at his home.

The encounters resulted in the girl becoming pregnant and later giving birth to a baby boy in January 2026.

According to the State, Simaone informed the girl’s mother, a civilian cleaner at Kamuzu Barracks, about the pregnancy and promised to support her daughter.

However, the prosecutor said he failed to fulfil the promise, prompting the mother to report the matter to Area 23 Police Unit, which subsequently arrested him.

Simaone had pleaded not guilty during trial, forcing the State to call four witnesses to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Following his conviction, Simaone appealed to the court for leniency during mitigation, asking not to be sent to prison.

He argued that imprisonment would prevent him from supporting the victim and her baby boy.

Simaone also apologized to the victim, her mother, the court and the nation, asking them to forgive him for what he acknowledged was wrong.

However, prosecutor Chingaru urged the court to impose the harshest possible sentence, arguing that Simaone, as a military officer, had a responsibility to protect the girl rather than abuse her.

Senior Resident Magistrate Bracious Kondowe subsequently convicted Simaone as charged and reserved sentencing to Tuesday next week.

Simaone, who hails from Nakoka Village under Traditional Authority Mwambo in Zomba District, will return to court for sentencing next week.