Man walks free in sexual abuse case
The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Liwonde has acquitted Jafali Jawadu after ruling the prosecution failed to establish a case of sexual intercourse with a child under section 138(1) of the Penal Code.
Jawadu was arrested on 29 April 2026 in Machinga following allegations by a child who lived in the same compound.
In its ruling, the Court said medical evidence showed no signs of penetration, and the child’s testimony lacked sufficient detail to prove the offence.
The defence, represented by Legal Aid Bureau’s Lovemore Gama Ngwira, successfully argued there was “no case to answer.”
Jawadu was acquitted and ordered released immediately.
On the same day, the Court also discharged Sailesi Malefuka, charged with a related offence, after State witnesses failed to appear on two hearing dates.
