Media Institute of Malawi (MISA) Malawi chapter has reacted on the arrested of Jeremiah Mphade,a journalist working with the Ministry of Information in Mzimba.

Mphande handed himself to the law enforcers this morning upon learning that the police were looking for him over allegations that he defiled a 15-year-old girl.

In a statement made available to faceofmalawi jointly signed by Media Council of Malawi Chairperson Wisdom Chimgwede, Misa Malawi Chairperson Teresa Ndanga and Association of Women in Media (AWOME) Chairperson Edyth Kambalame said they are keenly following the development.

“The Media Council of Malawi (MCM), MISA Malawi and Association of Women in Media (AWOME) would like to inform their membership and the general public that they are keenly following developments on allegations of defilement involving Mr. Jeremiah Mphande, a journalist working with the Ministry of Information in Mzimba.

“Mr. Mphande handed himself to the police this morning upon learning that the police were looking for him over allegations that he defiled a 15-year-old girl,” reads in part the statement.

Added the statement: “MCM, MISA Malawi and AWOME value the rule of law and stand firmly against any sexual crimes and abuses against girls and women, and will always stand on the side of justice.

“We, therefore, call upon the police to conduct their investigations and take the necessary steps or action based on their findings.”