Police in Dowa have arrested a 60-year-old man identified as Stewart Banda on allegations that he defiled a four-year-old child Sunday, April 5, at Chinkhadze Village, T/A Chiwere in Dowa.

According to Gladson M’bumpha, Public Relations Officer for Dowa Police, the suspect is a best friend of the child’s father and in the evening of the day of the incident, the victim went to watch a football match at Chinkhadze Village with her friends until darkness fell. Banda is said to have offered to carry her home on his bicycle.

“The child went with friends to watch a football match. When darkness fell, Banda offered to carry her home and there was no hesitation since the victim knew Banda as her father’s best friend. Banda defiled the suspect on the way home in a certain bush and later, handed her over to her parents,” he said.

M’bumpha further said that upon seeing her mother, the victim started crying and explained everything that Banda had done to her which made them report the matter to the police. The victim was later taken to Mvera Health Centre for examination where it was confirmed that the girl was defiled.

The suspect who hails from Chinkhadze Village, was arrested and he will appear before court to answer the charge of defilement, contrary to section 138 of the penal code.