Police Officer Victor Kachingwe Discharged in Alleged Rape Case

Blantyre – Chief Resident Magistrate (South), Paul Chiotcha, has discharged Victor Kachingwe, a 34-year-old police officer, who was accused of raping a convicted woman who was on remand at Lunzu Police Unit at the time of the alleged incident.

Kachingwe, a detective sergeant stationed at Lunzu Police Unit under Chileka Police Station, was represented by Counsel Bentry Nyondo of Ritz Attorneys-at-Law. Nyondo welcomed the decision, saying the case lacked merit from the beginning.

“This was a moonlight prosecution from the very beginning, and I am glad my client has been discharged,” Nyondo said.

The State applied to discontinue the case, acknowledging that further prosecution would be futile and a waste of state resources.

In a brief ruling delivered in open court, Magistrate Chiotcha stated:

“This is a proper case where the State should be allowed under Section 81(a) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code to withdraw their case if they believe that further prosecution is not warranted.”

Kachingwe hails from Ken Village, under Traditional Authority Kapeni in Blantyre District.