By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, October 17, Mana: Police in Dowa on Wednesday arrested Senior Group Village Headman Ngwere for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old girl at Chezi.

Dowa police station Public Relations Officer Alice Sitima said the suspect, real name Christopher Dyson, 39, of Ngwere Village, Traditional Authority Nkukula, in Dowa district, is suspected to have committed the offence in September this year.

She said the victim had reported to Chezi police that the suspect had some time ago, asked her if she had reached puberty and if she had ever had sex with a man, a thing she said made her uncomfortable.

"Then, on September 20, at around 1 pm, Dyson visited the victim's house and asked the girl if her father was around, to which she replied that her father was inside the house sleeping. But the suspect expressed disbelief arguing that there were no shoes on the doorstep.

"The chief then grabbed the victim, took her into her brother's bedroom, forcibly undressed her, and had unprotected sex with her," said Sitima.

She added saying the suspect offered the victim K5000 in K1000 banknotes, instructing her not to tell anyone of the issue. But having refused it, the suspect shoved the money inside her blouse and left.

Subsequently, the victim revealed of her ordeal on October 15, 2024.

"Police referred the victim to a hospital for medical examinations, whose results revealed an abnormal vaginal discharge and a ruptured hymen.

"The suspect is currently in custody, awaiting court proceedings," said Sitima.