Kabanana deacon convicted of defiling seven girls, faces 105 years in prison

A 45-year-old deacon has been convicted of defiling seven girls in Kabanana Township, with the court warning that he faces up to 105 years in prison.

Richard Mwanza, who operated shops near a school in the area, was found guilty of luring children under the pretext of prayer and sexually assaulting them between January and November 2023. Some of the victims, aged between nine and 15, later tested positive for sexually transmitted infections.

In his ruling, Magistrate Chrispin Hampungani condemned Mwanza’s conduct, describing it as a betrayal of trust.

Testimonies revealed a pattern of abuse in which Mwanza would make the girls sit on his lap behind his shop counter before assaulting them, while their friends waited outside.

One victim said she had been abused on at least eight occasions.

The court also heard that Mwanza threatened the children with witchcraft to silence them.

Mwanza’s defence—that his diabetes made him incapable of sexual activity and that the incidents could not have occurred in a busy environment—was dismissed.

The magistrate noted that the shop could be locked and that most offences happened during quiet hours, such as weekends.

Magistrate Hampungani ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Mwanza was convicted on all seven counts of defilement and committed to the High Court for sentencing.

Each count carries a minimum of 15 years in prison, meaning Mwanza could serve 105 years.

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