Police in Lilongwe are keeping in custody a 53-year-old man for allegedly defiling his 3 year-old niece.

Lilongwe Police Station Public Relations Officer, Inspector Kingsley Dandaula said the incident occurred on Saturday 19th December 2015 at Chitedze Trading Center in Lilongwe.

Dandaula identified the suspect as Rejani Chimbayo from Kumachenga Village in the area of Traditional Authority Njewa in Lilongwe.

“The girl was with her 29-year-old mother, Virginia Noel who was unwell that day, but later the girl left the house without her mother noticing.

“The mother wanted to go to the bathroom and suddenly found the suspect defiling the girl. When she asked what he was doing, the suspect who is also the girl’s uncle replied in chichewa “umati ndikapumile kuti” [where do you think I could relieve myself?]” elaborated Dandaula.

Dandaula said the girl’s mother reported the matter to Chitedze Police who arrested the suspect. Meanwhile, medical examination revealed that the girl was indeed defiled.

Chimbayo is expected to answer charges of defilement contrary to section 138 of the penal code.

On Sunday 20th December 2015, Malawi commemorated the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children Protection at a ceremony held at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe where government and the faith community declared war against all kinds of abuse against children.