14/10/2026
JOINT PRESS STATEMENT ON THE BRUTAL SEXUAL ABUSE AND MURDER OF A FOUR-YEAR-OLD CHILD IN ZOLO ZOLO TOWNSHIP, MZUZU
Child Advocacy Centre (CHACE) in partnership with Women Human Rights Defenders Network Malawi, express our profound outrage, grief, and solidarity with the family of the four-year-old child who was brutally sexually abused and murdered in Zolo Zolo Township, Mzuzu.
This horrific crime is not only an attack on an innocent child, but a direct violation of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and the laws enacted to protect every child from violence, abuse, neglect, and
exploitation. Section 23 of the Constitution guarantees children's rights to protection from economic exploitation, any treatment that is cruel, inhuman, or degrading, and any form of abuse.
The Constitution further places an obligation upon the State and all duty-bearers to safeguard the welfare and best interests of every child. Furthermore, the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act (2010) establishes the duty of families, communities, institutions, and the State to protect children from all forms of abuse, neglect, violence, and harm and provides mechanisms for ensuring children's safety and welfare.
On 9 October 2026, at approximately 6:30 PM, the child was reportedly playing with her peers when she disappeared. Following a desperate search, her lifeless body was discovered the following morning in an unfinished building. Medical findings confirmed that she had been subjected to severe sexual violence and strangulation before her death.
We acknowledge the swift action taken by the Malawi Police Service in arresting three suspects.However, isolated arrests are insufficient in addressing the escalating levels of violence against children in Malawi. Justice must not only be pursued; it must be seen to be done, promptly and decisively.
This tragedy is particularly devastating as Malawi prepares to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a period dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing action against all forms of violence affecting women and girls. It is deeply disturbing that, at a time when the nation is
expected to strengthen its commitment to protecting women and children, a four-year-old child has suffered such unimaginable violence. This case serves as a painful reminder that gender-based violence remains a grave threat requiring urgent national action.
