Mother, Two Others Arrested for Alleged Torture of 9-Year-Old Girl Over K2, 000
BALAKA, Malawi— In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the country, police in Balaka district have arrested three individuals, including a mother, for allegedly torturing a 9-year-old girl over missing money amounting to K2,000, a police spokesman confirmed on Sunday, writes Winston Mwale.
Lilian Matako, 28, the child's mother, was arrested on Saturday, July 6, 2024, following a report by the victim's uncle.
Two brothers, Ishmael Chitete, 20, and Zuberi Chitete, 18, were apprehended early Sunday morning in connection with the same incident, according to Inspector Gladson M'bumpha, Public Relations Officer for Balaka Police Station.
The victim, identified as Mercy Magombo, a third-grade student at Ngwangwa Primary School, was allegedly assaulted on June 28, 2024, in Kanyumbaka Village, Traditional Authority Sawali, Balaka District.
Police investigations revealed that the incident occurred after Matako returned from a business trip to Balaka town around 2:00 PM to find K2,000 missing from her purse.
Upon confronting her daughter, who admitted to taking the money, Matako allegedly became enraged.
"The suspect became furious, grabbed the victim and tied both her legs and arms with the help of some boys," M'bumpha stated.
The Chitete brothers are accused of assisting Matako in restraining the child.
The girl was then tied to a tree, severely beaten, and had water mixed with Buffalo beans (locally known as Chitedze) poured over her. Buffalo beans are known to cause severe skin irritation.
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) personnel from Balaka Police Station visited the scene and confirmed the incident before making the arrests.
The suspects, all from Kanyumbaka Village, will face charges of acts intended to cause grievous harm.
"The three suspects will appear before court soon to answer charges of acts intended to cause grievous harm," M'bumpha added.
The case has raised concerns about child abuse and parental discipline methods in the region.
Local child protection advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of laws protecting minors from abuse.