By Augustus Nkhwazi

Mzuzu, April 8, Mana: The Malawi Network of Order Persons (MANEPO) Executive Director, Andrew Kavala, says the organization does not protect older persons who engage themselves in unlawful acts.

Kavala was reacting to recent conviction and sentencing by a court in Mzuzu where two separate elderly men aged 85 and 83 were sent to jail for sexual intercourse with minor girls.

“No one is above the law; as a Human Rights Commissioner, I applaud the courts for doing the right thing,” said Kavala in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday.

He added that no one should look at their age and think they can misbehave and get away with it.

“We sympathize with survivors whose rights have been violated and remain traumatized,” Kavala said.

He added that even people with disabilities can be held responsible when they engage in criminal acts.

On April 3, 2025 Mzuzu First Grade Magistrate Robert Makaika sentenced Benson Nyirenda 85, to 10 years imprisonment for sexually molesting his 10 year old niece.

On Monday, April 7, 2025 Mzuzu Senior Resident Magistrate Ashford Harawa convicted and sentenced Juston Kasambala 83, to 18 years imprisonment with hard labor for having sexual intercourse with four minors aged between 6 and 9.

A statement from Mzuzu Police Station signed by Deputy Public Relations Officer Cecilia Mfune indicated Benson Nyirenda committed the offence from 2024 to February 15, 2025 when he was apprehended.

On the other hand, Juston Kasambala commítted the crime from May 2023 to May 2024, but he was arrested on February 9, 2025 at a political rally after freeing from Chiputula where he used to stay.