Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Mangochi on Wednesday convicted and sentenced village head Manjombe and six others to three years imprisonment with hard labour each for conducting a cultural practice which was in conflict with Child Care Protection and Justice Act.
Prosecutor, Sub Inspector Emanuel Kambwiri said the practice is contrary to Section 80 as read with Section 83 of Child Care, Protection and Justice Act.
He told the court that the District Commissioner for Mangonchi Dr. Raphael Piringu tipped the police on November 3 this year that Manjombe and six others held seven children in camp for cultural initiation.
Following the tip, Mangochi police mobilized an operation that stormed the camp to rescue the children and later arrested Village head Manjombe, 50, Alubi Kasale, 33, Jika Mbawa, 30, Pius Elioti, 25, Jawadu James, 27, Patuma Amadu, 41, and Patuma James for going against the initiation by-laws.
Passing judgement, Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe said the confinement was a violation of children right to education adding that it was surprising that the confinement was planned by the village head and parents who are supposed to be responsible for childrens well-being and education.
