Dowa Police have arrested a Congolese refugee, Prince Matinga, for allegedly defiling a 9-year-old girl at Dzaleka Refugee Camp. The incident has prompted police to issue a strong warning about the dangers of child abuse and the need for community vigilance.

According to police spokesperson Alice Sitima, the suspect lured the child to an isolated house in the hills of Dzaleka, locked the door, and forced her into the act. He also threatened to kill her if she told anyone.

The abuse came to light five days later when the girl’s family noticed she was bleeding and in distress. Upon questioning, she revealed what had happened.

The case was reported to Dzaleka Police, and the child was taken to Dowa District Hospital, where medical tests confirmed the sexual assault and revealed that the victim had contracted sexually transmitted infections.

Prince Matinga hails from Kivu in Democratic Republic of Congo.