A primary school teacher has been apprehended by the Mchinji District Police for allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old pupil.
In an interview with Nthanda Times, Mchinji Police Public Relations Officer Constable, Limbani Mpinganjira, said the accused, a 42-year-old Bizwick Phiri, was taken into custody following a distressing incident that occurred at Chafuta Primary School in Traditional Authority Dambe.
According to Mpinganjira, the unfortunate incident unfolded when Phiri borrowed a pen from the victim, who was a Standard 7 pupil at the school.
It is alleged that on May 7, 2023, Phiri borrowed a pen from the pupil (victim) and he asked her to follow him to the administration office.
“Seizing the opportunity, the teacher convinced the victim to accompany him to the administration office. However, instead of returning the borrowed item, Phiri dragged the victim into another room where he forced her down and had sexual intercourse against her will,” said Mpinganjira.
Mpinganjira added that the distressing ordeal came to light when the victim’s friends entered the office in search of her.
“They caught the suspect in the act, attempting to dress up hastily. Deeply disturbed by what they witnessed, the friends immediately reported the incident to the school authorities, who wasted no time in escalating the matter to the police,” added Mpinganjira.
As a result of the swift action taken, Phiri was arrested by the Mchinji District Police while the victim was provided with a medical report form, directing her to undergo a comprehensive examination at Mchinji District Hospital.
Phiri now faces charges for engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of 18, as stipulated in section 138 of the Penal Code.
Bizwick hails from Chipeya Village in Traditional Authority Kapondo in Mchinji.
