By Burnett Munthali
Police in Kanengo have arrested a 17-year-old boy (Name withheld) on suspicion of raping a 35-year-old woman who has a mental disability.
According to Kanengo Police spokesperson Gresham Ngwira, the incident occurred on March 28 in the afternoon. Relatives of the woman reported the matter to the police after a housemaid allegedly saw the suspect leaving the woman’s room wearing only his underwear.
Ngwira stated that when the housemaid entered the room, she found a used condom and bloodstains on the woman’s bedding, raising suspicions of sexual assault.
The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon. Police say investigations are ongoing to ensure justice is served.
Reports from reliable sources in Area 25 indicate that some officers are reported to have told relatives of the victim that this case is difficult to handle because the boy raped someone who is voiceless.
However, in Malawi, the Constitution provides protections for all individuals, including those who are voiceless or mentally challenged. The supreme law of the land emphasizes human dignity, non-discrimination, and the right to equal protection under the law. Here are some relevant provisions from the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi:
1. Section 19 – Human Dignity and Personal Freedoms
> (1) The dignity of all persons shall be inviolable.
(2) Every person shall have the right to personal liberty.
(3) No person shall be subjected to torture of any kind or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
This section protects all individuals, including those with mental challenges, from abuse and ensures their inherent dignity is respected.
