By Rahim Abdul
The Blantyre Central Magistrate Court has sentenced Layton Juma, a 27-year-old herbalist from Saitikadzuwa Village in Mangochi District, to 14 years imprisonment with hard labor for fraud and 5 years for rape.
Juma’s troubles began when he convinced two men in Ndirande that he possessed mystical powers to multiply money, swindling them out of over K1 million on June 26, 2025.
However, Juma’s history of deceit and violence dates back to 2023, when he committed a heinous act of rape against a woman who had sought his help in recovering a lost smartphone.
He allegedly used a snake wrapped around her neck to threaten her, claiming it would bite if she resisted.
After the assault, Juma stole electronic equipment and clothes worth over K1.5 million.
Despite denying the rape charge, four witnesses testified against him, and the state pushed for a stiff penalty, citing Juma as a repeat offender.
In his defense, Juma asked for leniency, citing dependents. However, Magistrate Mphalulo Fatchi handed down a 14-year sentence for fraud and a 5-year sentence for rape, to run concurrently.
