The Chipata High Court has sentenced a Police Officer to 20 years imprisonment for raping a female suspect, in Lundazi district, Eastern province.
The sentence is with effect from December 14, 2023.
SIKELETU MASELELA, aged 31, was sentenced on Monday by Chipata High Court Resident Judge, MERCY MAKUBALO, after he was convicted by the Lundazi Subordinate Court. 
Facts before the court are that the rape victim was detained at Lundazi Police Station by the Drug Enforcement Commission for drug related offences last year in December when the incident happened.
In mitigation during sentencing, Senior Legal Aid Counsel, CRIPPEN SIATWINDA said the convict was still a youth and had ample room for reformation.
Mr SIATWINDA said the convict is a beneficiary of good counsel from different churches which will have a positive impact on his life.
But Judge MAKUBALO said it is unfortunate that a law enforcement officer could behave in such a manner.
She said officers should be exemplary so that people can have confidence in them.
