Police in Thyolo are keeping in custody a pastor, John Mwanvani, 27, of  Living Word Evangelical Church in the area of Traditional Authority Chimaliro in Thyolo for defilement.

According to Thyolo Police Station Spokesperson Amos Tione,  between 2014 and 2019 Mwanvani had an affair with a 16 year old girl.

The girl was one of his congregants and he eventually, allegedly impregnated her.

She gave birth but Mwanvani denied the responsibility and refused to assist the girl and the child.

Later, the matter was reported to police where a defilement case was opened.

The suspect is in police custody and will be  taken to court soon.

Mwanvani comes from Ngolongoliwa Village in the area of Traditional Authority Ngolongoliwa in Thyolo.