Police in Makanjira, Mangochi District, have apprehended a 27-year-old teacher from Unga 1 Primary School, identified as Mathews Bright Nyondo, on allegations of defiling a 13-year-old standard 5 learner.
According to the victim’s mother, on the evening of July 28, 2023, the victim, accompanied by her elder sister, encountered the suspect on their way home from the market.
After walking together for a while, the victim requested the suspect to lend her a Chichewa textbook, to which he directed her to follow him to his residence. Once at his house, he took her to his bedroom where he committed the act and threatened her not to disclose the incident. As an incentive, he gave her two textbooks and K1,000 in cash.
The victim kept the incident to herself until nighttime when she experienced pain while urinating. Her mother rushed to check on her and found blood oozing from her genitals.
Upon being seriously questioned in the presence of her grandmother, she revealed that she had been defiled by the suspect. The matter was then reported to the Lulanga Police Unit, and the victim received a referral letter to Makanjira Health Centre, where the medical examination confirmed the defilement.
The suspect has now been charged with having sexual intercourse with a minor, in violation of section 138 of the Penal Code, and will soon appear before the court.
Nyondo hails from Lasha Village, Traditional Authority Kyungu, in Karonga district.