Balaka Police arrest musician Nkasa

Police in Balaka on Saturday arrested musician Joseph ‘Phungu’ Nkasa for allegedly abducting a 14-year-old girl (name withheld).

 

The arrest happened after Nkasa had just finished performing at Zembani Lodge in the eastern Malawi district alongside Lucius Banda and Zambia’s Organised Family.

According to a witness, Nkasa was picked by police at around 1am immediately after coming off stage.

Balaka Police spokesperson Titani Chadwala confirmed the arrest and said Nkasa was released on police bail the same day.

“We arrested him because he is being suspected of abducting a girl,” said Chadwala.

Nkasa’s wife, who comes from Ulongwe in the district, is alleged to have taken the girl from her home village to work as a housemaid in Blantyre.

The girl’s parents reported to the police when she went missing some months ago.

When called on Wednesday, Nkasa said he could not comment on the allegations, saying the police officer who picked him is the one who should explain the crime he is alleged to have committed.

“The police officer who told you the story should also tell you the crime they say I committed,” he said.

Nkasa is expected to appear in court soon to answer charges of abduction. The 40-year-old musician comes from Chipamba Village, in Traditional Authority Sitola in Machinga.