By Chisomo Phiri
Child rights activist Memory Chisenga has expressed concern over the delayed hearing of a high-profile case involving Dutch national Jan Willem Akster, who is accused of sodomy and sexual abuse against children and employees at Timotheos Foundation between January 2018 and April 2020.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday in Blantyre,Chisenga,said that the delays are hindering access to justice for the victims.
“The victims have waited over four years for justice, and it is time for action,” she said.
The child rights activist said despite the delays and threats, they will still push for justice.
“We will meet the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, the Minister of Justice, and even the state President to seek justice for the victims,” she added.
On his part,Director for People Serving Girls at Risk, Caleb Ngombo, concurred with Chisenga, appealing for collective action in fighting for justice for the minors that were sodomised.
“This is a call to all of us to rise up and take action. We expect the courts to stand and protect children. If we cannot condemn sexual abuse, then we do not conform to a noble society,” he said.
The first trial was set to commence on September 11, 2024 but did not proceed as the magistrate who was handling the case was transferred to Lilongwe.
A new date for hearing was set for February 6, 2025 but the case was also adjourned to March 12, as the case file was reported to have gone missing.
