Nkhata Bay learners seek compensation for ‘unlawful’ arrest
Boys and girls who were suspended from Uhoho Primary School in Nkhata Bay in 2016 over pregnancy issues are seeking compensation for unlawful arrest.
The case was heard by Chintheche Magistrate’s Court, but Mzuzu-based Youth Watch Society took the matter to the High Court for it to determine the jurisdiction of the child protection committee in formulating by-laws which first grade magistrate Alex Gomba based his decision on.
“We will support the victims to claim compensation over infringement of their rights and those of their parents,” said Muteyu Mukhuta Banda, Youth Watch Society executive director.
In an interview on Friday in Nkhata Bay, one of the victims, Chikozo Bernard Manda, now in Form Two, alleged that he was tortured for two days in the police cell.
On his part, group village head Chinyentha said he was embarrassed after the issue was known in his area.
He said it is good for the girls and boys to be compensated.
Ten boys impregnated 10 girls at the school and they were locked at Chintheche Police Station where they claimed they were tortured.
The arrest was meant to force the learners’ parents to pay a K10 000 fine in accordance with by-laws.
On March 14 2019, High Court Judge Dorothy De Gabriele found that Gomba acted outside his jurisdiction by using the court’s resources to hear the case. She said Gomba had overstepped his powers by unjustly inflicting punishment on the learne
