In Mangochi district, the police have taken into custody a 20-year-old traditional healer named Andrew Simon on charges of defiling a 13-year-old girl. The incident allegedly occurred while Simon was administering traditional medicine in Mpemba 2 village, TA Mponda, within the district.

According to Amina Daudi, the spokesperson for Mangochi Police, the suspect and the victim lived in the same compound with their respective families. The case unfolded in early October when the young girl confided in Simon’s wife that she frequently experienced stomachaches. Simon’s wife suggested that traditional medicine might help alleviate the girl’s suffering and that her husband could administer the treatment.

Following the conversation with Simon’s wife, the victim was invited to the healer’s house. However, on October 31, 2023, Simon allegedly defiled the girl in his bedroom after asking her to collect more medicine.

Distraught by the incident, the young girl reported it to the authorities at Makokola Police Post, leading to Simon’s arrest. The police are currently investigating the matter.