Teacher Accused of Touching Learner’s Buttocks, Breasts and Calling Her ‘Wife’ Cleared by Court in Mzimba

A Second Grade Magistrate’s Court in Mzimba has acquitted a primary school teacher, Lumbani Chagala, after ruling that the State failed to establish a case against him.

Chagala, who teaches at Kaphuta Primary School in Chagala Village, had been accused of indecent assault involving a learner.

Following his arrest, he applied for legal representation from the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau, and his case was taken up by Principal Legal Aid Advocate Jones Chiwalo, with support from Legal Aid Officer Isaac Mleya.

During trial, the State paraded six witnesses, including the complainant. However, under cross-examination by the defence, it emerged that none of the witnesses had directly seen the alleged acts.

The court also heard that community policing members had attempted to use a mobile phone to entrap the accused, but the effort was unsuccessful.

The court found that the testimonies were inconsistent and failed to prove the allegations. As a result, it ruled that there was no prima facie case, meaning Chagala was not required to enter his defence. He was consequently acquitted of the charge.

Chagala (far right) with AD Mdazizira (middle) and LAO Mleya (far left)

Source: Legal Aid