In Mchinji, police have arrested a 61-year-old man named James Phiri, a security guard at the Mchinji market, on suspicion of sexually abusing two young street girls aged between 17 and 14.

According to Mchinji Police spokesperson Limbani Mpinganjira, Phiri was taken into custody following a tip-off from community members who alleged that he had been engaging in sexual activities with the minors on the market veranda where he was stationed. The police conducted a night operation and reportedly caught Phiri in the act with the minors.

Upon questioning, the girls revealed that Phiri had been allowing them to sleep on the veranda and had been sexually abusing them for an extended period, Mpinganjira added.

The minors have since been taken to Mchinji District Hospital for medical examination. Phiri is expected to appear in court to face charges related to the sexual abuse of minors.

James Phiri hails from the village of Mtsiriza, under Senior Chief Mlonyeni in Mchinji.