Police in Dowa have arrested a 49-year-old man, Rickson Maida of Jumbe Village, Traditional Authority Chiwere, for allegedly defiling his 5-year-old daughter at Chavu Village on Friday, 21 August 2026.
The arrest follows a report from the victim’s mother, who informed police that the suspect, her ex-husband, divorced five years ago, occasionally visits his children and spends nights at the house.
Dowa Police Station Public Relations Officer, Sub Inspector Alice Sitima, said that on 20 August, Maidaida slept in the kitchen.
The following day, while the mother was away, he allegedly sexually assaulted his daughter.
Sitima added that upon returning home around 15:00 hours, the mother found the suspect in the act. She checked the child and observed blood stains and a strange fluid on her legs.
“The victim was referred to Dowa District Hospital, where a medical examination confirmed sexual abuse,” she explained.
The suspect is expecting to appear before the court once investigation is completed.
