A 45-year-old man is in police custody for raping a 10-year-old standard 3 pupil.

Police have identified the rapist as Amoni Chiboma Kamphira from Gumbi village, Traditional Authority Kabudula in Lilongwe.

Kanengo Police spokesperson Laban Makalani said the rapist had on that day dragged the child into a nearby bush after coaxing her.

The girl later told her parents and that led to the arrest of Kamphira.

Kamphira is currently on remand at Maula maximum prison and he is expected to appear in court and answer defilement charges.