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Pastor accused of raping, impregnating girl,16

Police in Dowa have arrested a 55-year-old Evangelical Pentecostal Church pastor,  Matias Paul, for allegedly raping and impregnating a 16-year-old girl.

Dowa Police Station spokesperson Richard Kaponda confirmed the arrest and said the incident took place in March this year when the girl went for overnight prayers which ended at 3am. He said the victim allegedly sought accommodation at the pastor’s house for the rest of the night.

An artist’s illustration of an arrested man

“She was given a place at the pastor’s house. That same night, she went out to relieve herself and the pastor followed her and demanded sex from her which she refused, but the suspect forced himself on her,” he said.

Kaponda said after some months, the girl’s mother noticed changes in her appearance. He said the girl narrated her ordeal after interrogation.

“The mother took her to Mvera Mission Hospital where she was certified five months pregnant and the matter was reported to Mvera Police who arrested the suspect on July 15,” he said.

Kaponda said the victim has just sat for the Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations.

The victim comes from Mtileni  Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Khombedza in Salima while the suspect is from Kalembo Village, T/A Chiwere in Dowa.

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