Man Arrested for Allegedly Defiling Mentally Challenged Woman and Two Children in Nkhata Bay

Police in Nkhata Bay District have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly sexually abusing a 27-year-old mentally challenged woman and two children aged three and six.

Devoter Mithi, spokesperson for Nkhata Bay Police, identified the suspect as Success Mushani of Chingalinga Village, Traditional Authority Timbiri in the district.

According to Mithi, the suspect had been living as husband and wife with a wandering woman who is the mother of the 27-year-old victim. The two children are reportedly the wandering woman’s grandchildren.

Police say the three-year-old child belongs to the mentally challenged woman, while the six-year-old is the child of her sister, who had previously left the home.

The incidents allegedly took place in Kamundi, where the suspect is said to have been sleeping with all three victims whenever the elderly woman left the house, although nobody initially reported the abuse.

Mithi said on May 11, relatives moved the three victims to a neighbouring house following suspicions raised by members of the community.

However, the suspect allegedly followed them secretly during the night and was caught by the owner of the house after strange noises were heard from inside the room.

The matter was later reported to police, who referred the victims to Nkhata Bay District Hospital for medical examinations, which reportedly confirmed sexual abuse.

Police say they are still searching for the wandering elderly woman.