Police in Mangochi have arrested eight people ( 4 men and 4 women) from Traditional Authority Chowe in Mangochi after being found conducting initiation ceremony of four male children of 4 to 6 years old before the closing of school’s third term and without the consent from the authorities.
The eight were arrested last nigh at Mwajombe Village Traditional Authority Chowe in Mangochi and include Village Headman Mwajombe, two initiation camp commanders and parents.
Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi has confirmed of the development.
According to Daud, Mangochi District Commissioner Raphael Piringu was tipped off by concerned citizens that last weekend the suspects withdrew some of the children from school in order to be initiated.
The matter was reported to Police whereby mobile police officers ( Malamia Camp) stormed the camp and arrested the perpetrators for violating by – laws concerning initiation ceremonies which were put in place by the DC’s office.
The suspects have also violated a right to education and they will appear before court for contravening section 80 as read with section 83 of child care, protection and Justice Act which attracts maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.