Malawi Rape Victim Denied Justice

By: Thula Chisamba

Investigations conducted by The Malawi Star have established that the Judiciary is yet to deliver its ruling in a case in which a magistrate is accused of ‘attempted rape.’

In December last year, Malawi Police in Mzimba apprehended Tobias Sibale-a Magistrate for Emazweni court, on charges of attempting to rape a married woman.

Information gathered by this publication shows that the accused invited the woman to his office where he began caressing and attempted to rape her.

“Amid his zeal to rape me, i screamed for help. However people couldn’t come to my rescue,” she said.

She went on claiming that the accused (Sibale) capitalized on the situation and became more insistent to forcefully make love to her.

Nonetheless, the complaining woman also became more resistant and managed to overpower the accused magistrate and escape the fate.

“He touched my breasts and some private parts to drive me into sex but he failed after I gathered strength to escape,” she added.

When asked on reasons she complied to visit the accused in his private office, the woman justified that she was told there was something judicial, they had to discuss.

“Not that I was dating him but I went there because he told me there was something judicial, we had to discuss- I didn’t know he meant raping me,” she said.

The accused was released on Police bail after some days and people expected him to appear before the court in the nearest time but until today, a clear indication that the magistrate is still scot-free.

This has made the plaintiff suspect some foul play and lose trust on Judiciary.

“I think my justice is being denied here. It has been long time waiting to hear from them,” said the woman.

When we went to press Judiciary publicist, Mlenga Mvula, maintained that investigations have already instituted on the matter.

He then brushed aside fears of foul plays citing: “The case will soon be heard in the court and justice will prevail.”