Magistrate arrested for caressing witness’ breasts
Police in Mzimba District have arrested a third grade magistrate for allegedly caressing a witness’s breasts after testifying in court.
The magistrate, identified as Tobias Sibale, 52, from Temwamkondo Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Wenya in Chitipa District, is stationed at Emcisweni Court in Mpherembe, Mzimba.
Both the Judiciary and Malawi Police Service (MPS) confirmed the arrest in separate interviews on Sunday.
Judiciary spokesperson Mlenga Mvula said there is a complaint against the magistrate, but that the matter is being handled by the police.
He said when police investigations are completed, the Judiciary will take up the matter.
Mvula said such cases were rare in the Judiciary; hence, no-one will be frustrated to access the courts, adding that the magistrate is only a suspect at the moment.
Northern Region Police spokesperson Maurice Chapola also confirmed the arrest of the magistrate, but refused to give more details on the issue, saying the matter is under investigation.
A source said the victim, whose name has been withheld, is aged 32 and comes from Solomon Village, T/A Mpherembe in Mzimba. The woman went to testify at the court in one of the cases that the magistrate presided on.
The source said the magistrate later allegedly called the witness to his office where he is alleged to have congratulated her on the testimony in court.
The source said the incident happened on December 15 and the woman was rescued by some court employees after she screamed for help. n
