By SYLVIA MWEETWA –
A FORTY-EIGHT-YEAR-OLD police officer who defiled a 10-year-old girl has been convicted and sentenced to 25-years imprisonment with hard labour by the Kabwe High Court.
Kabwe High Court Judge Elita Mwikisa in sentencing Godfrey Damalenani Tembo described the action by the senior police officer as disgraceful.
Ms Justice Mwikisa was dismayed as to why Tembo could go for a 10-year-old girl when there were plenty of older women.
She said it was shameful that an elderly man like Tembo who was expected to protect children was the one defiling them.
“It is shameful that a man of your calibre could act in such a manner by destroying the life of an innocent child  and now you have TB (tuberculosis), surely what were you  thinking and why didn’t  you go  for elderly  women who are of your age and are looking for men, ”she said.
She said it was saddening that despite the stiffer sentences meted out, people had continued sexually abusing children and women.
Ms Justice Mwikisa warned that the court would continue to ensure that those found guilty of engaging in such atrocities faced the wrath of the law.
In December 2013, Tembo while working as an officer in charge in Mumbwa forced himself on a 10-year-old girl.
During the trial, the girl testified that on the fateful day her mother had sent her younger sister and herself to sell milk in the neighbourhood.
She told the court that it was while on the errand that she met Tembo who after purchasing the milk asked her to take the container to his wife who was at home.
She said Tembo then followed them on the way using a taxi.
She said he asked them to get into the taxi which drove off and later stopped at a nearby bush.
Tembo dragged one of the girls while covering her mouth with a cloth into the bush and had sex with her.
He later warned the girl against informing her parents on what had happened.
On  arrival  at  home,  her mother  asked  the girl why she  was failing to  walk  properly  but because of the threats by Tembo, she declined to tell the truth. She said she had been hit by a bicycle.
After she was queried further, she disclosed that she had been defiled by Tembo.
Tembo was then arrested and charged.