ZOMBA-(MaraviPost)-A Malawi police prosecutor at Ntaja Police Post in Machinga has been accused of abusing his office after allegedly releasing a suspect who was arrested for child sexual abuse
The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Kenneth Makangala from Makhoti Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Mecanyera, Mozambique, was arrested on July 30, 2026 by Nayuchi Police Post following allegations of defiling a minor.
According to a police report, the victim was referred to Nayuchi Health Centre where medical examination reportedly confirmed evidence consistent with the allegations.
The suspect was interviewed, recorded a caution statement and was formally charged with having sexual intercourse with a female child, a charge he allegedly admitted.
The case file was later submitted to court, and on July 31, 2026, the suspect was transferred to Ntaja Police Post to appear before court.
However, police say the suspect was allegedly released from the police cell by Ntaja Police Post Station Senior Inspector Precious Makono, after he was approached by the victim’s parent and relatives of the accused seeking his release.
The police report states that a withdrawal statement was recorded by the prosecutor, but authorities argue that withdrawing the case was not in the interest of justice since the victim is a minor and the decision could not solely be made by the parent.
The report further indicates that the prosecutor did not inform the investigating officer before releasing the suspect, despite being aware of procedures governing cases involving children.
“Cases of this nature are not supposed to be withdrawn willy-nilly as long as there is tangible evidence against the accused,” reads part of the police report.
An abuse of office case has since been opened against Makono, although no arrest has been made as investigations are still underway.
The incident has attracted public attention, with various stakeholders, including Member of Parliament for Machinga and representatives from UN Women network, reportedly visiting Nayuchi Police Post to seek clarification over the matter.
Meanwhile, an inside source who opted for anonymity alleged that the suspect was released without following proper bail procedures and later fled to Mozambique.
The source further alleged that money exchanged hands between the suspect’s relatives and the victim’s family, claims which have not yet been independently verified.
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