Apostolic Pastor Remanded Over Child Rights and Unlicensed Midwifery Charges In Thyolo

The Thyolo First Grade Magistrate’s Court has adjourned to June 19, 2025, the case involving Fadweck Namwali, a 44-year-old pastor of an Apostolic church, who is facing serious charges related to harmful child care practices and unlicensed midwifery.

According to Luchenza Police Prosecutor Patricia Mphulupulu, the accused allegedly committed the offences between 2017 and 2025 at Sulubeni, under Traditional Authority Kapichi in Thyolo District.

Namwali is accused of denying his three children access to formal education and barring women  including his own wife  from accessing safe childbirth services, choosing instead to conduct unlicensed midwifery within his congregation.

The court heard that his arrest followed a viral social media clip, which alleged that his church was violating the rights of children and women by discouraging education and access to medical care based on religious beliefs.

Namwali has denied all the charges in court. The prosecution requested an adjournment to allow time to parade six witnesses who are expected to testify in the case.

First Grade Magistrate Kondani Chinangwa granted the request and ordered that Namwali remain in custody while the state finalizes its investigations.