By Jones Gadama
In a disturbing case of sexual abuse, 85-year-old Benson Nyirenda has been sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labor for sexually assaulting his own granddaughter,aged 11.
The abuse, which began in 2024, was only discovered on February 15, 2025, when the victim’s mother noticed swollen and bruised areas on her daughter’s private parts.
According to Mzuzu Police Deputy Spokesperson, Sergeant Cecelia Mfune, the victim disclosed that her grandfather had been sexually assaulting her, leading to a prompt investigation and subsequent arrest of Nyirenda.
In a shocking twist, Nyirenda admitted to the crime in court but requested leniency, citing his status as a polygamist and primary caregiver for his three wives.
However, State Prosecutor Sub-Inspector Samuel Juziwel argued that Nyirenda’s actions warranted a more severe sentence.
“As the child’s grandfather, Nyirenda had abused the trust placed in him and caused long-lasting emotional and psychological harm to the victim,” Juziwel emphasized.
First Grade Magistrate Robert Makaika agreed with the prosecutor, stating that the sentence should reflect the seriousness of the offense and the lasting trauma inflicted on the child.
The case highlights the alarming issue of child sexual abuse in Malawi, where perpetrators often exploit positions of trust and authority to commit heinous crimes.
The sentence handed down to Nyirenda serves as a warning to would-be offenders that such actions will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of child sexual abuse in Malawi, sparking widespread outrage and calls for tougher laws and stricter enforcement.
The government has taken steps to address the issue, including the establishment of a national task force on child protection and the introduction of new legislation aimed at strengthening child protection laws.
However, much work remains to be done to address the root causes of child sexual abuse and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
As the country continues to grapple with the issue of child sexual abuse, it is essential that we prioritize the needs and well-being of victims and survivors.
This includes providing access to counseling, medical care, and other support services, as well as ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
The sentence handed down to Benson Nyirenda sends a strong message that child sexual abuse will not be tolerated in Malawi.
However, it is only one part of a broader effort to address this complex and deeply entrenched issue.
As a society, we must continue to work together to prevent child sexual abuse, support victims and survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
