Machinga NGOs Demand Justice in 15-Year-Old’s “Marriage” to Egyptian National
Published on January 19, 2026 at 12:38 PM by Evance Kapito
Non-governmental organizations in Machinga are demanding justice following allegations that senior police officers blocked the arrest of an Egyptian national, Muhammad Saad, who reportedly married a 15-year-old girl.
A Mibawa Television investigation has revealed that Saad allegedly paid an undisclosed sum of money to the girl’s parents and relatives to secure the “marriage,” which was authorized by Group Village Headman Maunde.
The case has sparked outrage following reports of a high-level cover-up. While officers at Nselema Police were prepared to move in on the suspect, senior officials at Machinga Police Headquarters allegedly ordered them to stand down, claiming no crime had been committed. This interference reportedly gave the suspect time to hide the minor in Blantyre for a day.
Furthermore, whistleblowers allege that senior police blocked the girl from undergoing a medical exam, despite her admitting to investigators that she had been sexually abused multiple times during the two-week ordeal.
Belinda Somanje Chimombo, Chairperson for Machinga NGOs, and District Social Welfare Officer Charles Kazembe have both condemned the police’s handling of the matter, describing it as a major blow to the fight against child marriage. Senior Chief Chiwalo has since summoned Group Village Headman Maunde to answer for his role in the illegal union.
Machinga Police spokesperson Western Kansire declined to comment on the allegations when reached for a statement.
Source:Mibawa Tv
