A defilement convict has escaped while in custody at Phalombe police station.

The convict identified as Dyson Chawawa who was working at Nakamba primary school in Mulanje reportedly escaped while sweeping outside the police premises.

He was brought before the court for defiling and impregnating a 14-year old girl.

Public relations officer for Phalombe Police Station Sergeant Innocent Moses said the teacher was arrested after the victim’s father reported the issue to police.

“The complainant, who is the father to the victim, said the teacher proposed the girl child in January last year and he had been sleeping with the girl until he impregnated her.

Phalombe First Grade Magistrate Damson Banda faults the police for allowing the convict to go out of the cell without proper security.