Pastor sentenced to 7 years in prison for attempting to defile adopted child

Malawi: A Malawi Assemblies of God pastor, Jack Phiri, 51, was this week sentenced to seven years in prison for attempting to defile an adopted 12-year-old girl in Ntchisi district.

During the court hearing, first-grade magistrate Dorothy Kalua learned that the Reverend adopted the girl on the condition that she assists him with his mandasi (Doughnut) business in December 2020.

State prosecutor Patrick Phambana stated in court that on the 17th of December of the same year, the pastor began showing the victim phonographic videos before deciding to force himself on her, which did not work after the minor yelled for help and the matter was reported to police, leading to his arrest.

The accused who escaped after being granted bail was re-arrested earlier this month, according to Phambana.

After being re-arrested, the accused attempted to flee from lawful custody while wearing handcuffs but was apprehended by police.