Teacher in Machinga arrested over alleged sexual intercourse with 16-year-old pupil

A teacher in Machinga, Malawi, has been arrested following allegations that he had sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old Standard 8 pupil. Sergeant Western Kansire, public relations officer for Machinga Police Station, confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. He said the alleged acts took place at Ngokwe Trading Centre between August and September 2026. According to Kansire, the girl was alone at home after her parents went to Nsanje for a holiday. Police allege that the suspect, her neighbour, exploited the circumstances and had sexual intercourse with her multiple times. After her parents returned to Nayuchi, the girl is reported to have revealed what had occurred, and they informed the police. She was taken to Nayuchi Health Centre for a medical examination. Police said the examination confirmed she had been sexually assaulted and that she was roughly two weeks pregnant. Detectives from Nselema Police Post investigated, and the suspect, identified as Patrick Chitsulo, was arrested and charged with having sexual intercourse with a child, which is contrary to Section 138 of the Penal Code. He is expected to appear before court after the investigations are completed. Chitsulo comes from Mulipa Village, Traditional Authority Nsanama, in Machinga District.