Ex-convict arrested for kidnapping girl, 6

Mangochi Police Station is keeping in custody a 24-year-old man, who is also an ex-convict, on suspicion that he kidnapped a six-year-old girl from Mwanyama Village in the district.

In an interview on Sunday, Mangochi Police Station assistant spokesperson Amina Tepani Daudi identified the suspect as Kefas Matias.

She said the offence was committed on April 30 2016 at about 10am.

Explained Daudi: “Two female children aged six and nine from Mwanyama Village in the area of Traditional Authority [T/A] Mponda in the district were sent to a maize mill by their mother. The maize mill is located near the old airport. And at around midday, the mother was surprised to see only the elder daughter return home.

“She asked her the whereabouts of her younger sister and she narrated that an unknown man convinced her to buy sweets and took her away to unknown place.”

She said the mother made follow-ups to the maize mill where she alerted other people about the incident and started searching for the missing child.

Added Daudi: “Fortunately, after searching for few hours, they saw the suspect coming from Nthundu area. He was identified by the elder sister since she was among the search team.”

She said the suspect confirmed taking the child and offered to escort the crew where he had abandoned the child.

Daudi said the girl was found in tears . She said the suspect’s intention and motives of kidnapping the child are yet to be established as investigations are underway.

The suspect comes from Katuli Village, T/A Katuli in the district. He faces the charge of kidnapping contrary to Section 265 of the Penal Code. n