By Patience Harawa

Karonga, January 9, Mana: Police in Karonga are keeping in custody a clinical officer, Chimwemwe Kaonga, 37, on allegations that he abducted a 17-year-old girl, a student at Nyungwe Community Day Secondary School in the district.

Public Relations Officer for Karonga Police Station, Margret Msiska confirmed the development in an interview on Thursday.

She said Kaonga, who works as a clinical officer at Thawilo Health Centre, proposed to the girl on December 18, 2024, and took her to his house for marriage.

"The suspect is believed to have taken the girl to his house where he claims they were living as husband and wife. This was done without the knowledge or consent of the girl's parents, who later reported the matter to Nyungwe Police Unit which led to his arrest on January 8, 2025," said Msiska.

"He has since been charged with abduction contrary to section 136 of the Penal Code and investigations are underway to establish allegations of having sexual intercourse with the minor during the time of their stay at his house," she added.

Kaonga hails from Mwakasangila Village, Traditional Authority Kilupula in Karonga district.