Rumphi Police spokesperson Sergeant Tupeliwe Kabwilo has confirmed the arrest of a 29 year old man, Patrick Phiri on suspicion that he defiled a 5 year old girl.

Kabwilo said that Phiri is suspected of committing the offence on August 13, 2023 at Kapemba village in the area of Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe.

He said on the fateful day, the victim was playing around with her grandmother, later, Phiri secretly enticed her to his house where he defiled her.

The child was referred to Rumphi District Hospital where medical examination revealed that there was penetration.

Phiri will appear before court soon.

The suspect comes from Akatcha village, Traditional Authority Mkumba in Phalombe district.