Activists demand justice for sodomised children

Child rights activist, Memory Chisenga, has expressed frustration over the prolonged sodomy trial involving a Dutch national, Wim Jan Akster, former Financial Director of Timotheos Foundation who allegedly sodomised six boys that sought education scholarship. 

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Akster, was arrested in 2020 on sodomy allegation but the case has delayed thereby affecting justice, according to an activist, Memory Chisenga.

Briefing the press on Friday in Blantyre, Chisenga demanded justice for the victims, saying, “Justice delayed is justice denied,” as some of the witnesses want to pull out due to the delay of the trial.

“We are worried with the delay and we are demanding answers as to why it is taking so long to come to its conclusion. We have waited for over five years for the boys to get justice.

“As activists, we are saddened because we expected our court to work in the best interest of the young boys that were sodomised by this Dutch national” she said

Chisenga said despite the delays and threats, they will still push for justice.

“We will meet the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, the Minister of Justice, and even the state President to seek justice for the victims,” she added.

Director for People Serving Girls at Risk, Caleb Ng’ombo, concurred with Chisenga, appealing for collective action in fighting for justice for the minors that were sodomised.

“This is a call to all of us to rise up and take action. We expect the courts to stand and protect children. If we cannot condemn sexual abuse, then we do not conform to a noble society,” he said.

The first trial was set to commence on September 11, 2024 but did not proceed as the magistrate who was handling the case was transferred to Lilongwe.

A new date for hearing was set for February 6, 2025 but the case was also adjourned to March 12, as the case file was reported to have gone missing.