Pastor arrested for alleged defilement

Police in Ntcheu last week arrested Pastor Phillip Palibe Ndipo, 50, for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old Standard Three learner.

According to Ntcheu Police Station spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, the suspect committed the crime on Wednesday at Kalindira Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Njolomole in the district.

“The suspect is a pastor of New Covenant Assemblies of God at Kalindira,” he said.

Chigalu also said the girl, who is epileptic, was alone at home when the incident happened.

According to Chigalu, upon her mother’s return from drawing water, she found the girl crying uncontrollably.

He said the victim revealed the name of the suspect and the matter was reported to Kandewu Police Unit.

A medical examination at Kandewu Health Centre confirmed that defilement had taken place, police said.

Ndipo is expected to appear in court to answer a charge of defilement which contravenes Section 138 of the Penal Code, according to Chigalu. n