Police in Chileka have arrested 24-year-old for allegedly failing to provide basic health care to his pregnant wife.
Spokesperson Chileka Police Jonathan Phillipo has confirmed the arrest and identified the suspected husband as McLean Luka.
Accordink to Phillipo, it was Senior Chief Kunthembwe who reported that the suspect was stopping his pregnant wife to seek medical assistance due to their religious belief.
Both the suspect and his wife are members of a church that does not allow them to take medical drugs.
“It was reported that in June, 2023, the wife conceived and since then she never visited any medical facility for treatment or check-ups.
“On Thursday April 4, 2024, labour pains started and due to their belief, the husband volunteered himself to assist his wife in giving birth at home,” says Phillipo.
He added that community members were upset upon seeing this and reported the matter to Senior Chief Kunthembwe who followed the matter and reported to the police.
Both the mother and the newly born baby were taken to Chikowa Health facility and later referred to Queens Elizabeth Central Hospital where they are receiving treatment.
The suspect will answer a charge of failing to provide necessity to life contrary to section 242 of Penal code.
McLean Luka hails from Chikoka Village, Traditional Authority Kunthembwe in Blantyre.
