Police at Mponela in Dowa have arrested a 34-year-old man identified as James Kaphulika for defiling a 13-year-old girl.
Public Relations Officer for Mponela Police Station, Macpatson Msadala, said the suspect is alleged to have committed the crime on February 28, 2024, at Mponela Trading Centre.
He said the issue came to light after the mother to the girl on March 1, 2024 noticed that the child was having difficulties in walking.
“When asked what her problem was, the child initially denied anything wrong with her. However, upon further probe, she revealed that a certain man grabbed her and took her behind Mponela 1 Primary School and had sexual intercourse with her,” said Msadala.
According to Msadala, the girl provided identification features of the man and said she could ably identify him if she sees him again.
The matter was reported to Mponela Police Station and medical examination confirmed of penetration.
“Following investigations, law enforcers arrested the suspect who was positively identified by the victim,” he said.
Kaphulika, who hails from Msampha village in Traditional Authority (TA) Mponela in Dowa, will appear before court soon to answer charges of having sexual intercourse with a minor.
