A 25 year old man Winiko Pumula who was working in the Illala Ship is in police custody on the allegation that he defiled a 12 year old girl who was part of his customers.

Confirming the development, Nkhata bay police spokesperson Ignatius Esau said the development occurred on Monday when the victim boarded the ship at Chilumba in Karonga going to Tchalo in Rumphi under the assistant of Mr Clement Masoja who is also part of the Illala Ship workers.He said during night hours Masoja helped the girl to sleep comfortably at the workers’ place and then went out to the place where the customers stays.However, Pumula took the advantage of Masoja’s absence and defiled the girl.

“The victim cried for a help but to no avail, she then reported the matter to Masoja who handled the suspect to Nkhata bay police station,” said Esau.

He said the police took the girl to Nkhata bay district hospital were it was confirmed that she was defiled.The Nkhata bay police spokesperson said the suspect will appear before the court soon to answer defilement charges which contrary to section 138 of the penal code.

Pumula hails from Kasankha village in the area of Traditional Authority Nankumba in Mangochi, according to Esau.