Police in Dowa District have arrested eight people for demolishing two houses and injuring one person.

It followed disagreements which erupted after a 20-year-old man in Traditional Authority Chakhaza’s area in the district was accused was of marrying a 13- year-old girl.

It is said that the accused, Richard Baziliyo, on March 27, 2021 abducted the 13-year-old girl who is a Standard Six learner at Sambaadzukulu Primary School for sexual exploitation.

Mponela Police spokesperson Kaitano Lubrino said thereafter, parents of the victim were tipped that their daughter was living with Baziliyo as husband and wife.

He said this did not go well with them and they went to reclaim their daughter.

The two sides failed to settle the matter amicably and a fierce fight erupted, which saw Richard’s father being severely injured.

Meanwhile, Kaitano said Police have since launched a manhunt for Baziliyo, who is still on the run, to answer a charge of defilement

Kaitano has also added that the eight suspects will be taken to court to answer charges of malicious damage and unlawful wounding respectively.