By Bertha Banda
As a primary school in Ntcheu District closed for the term on July 24, 2026, parents gathered hoping to hear good news about their children’s performance in end-of-term examinations.
Among them were the mothers of Maria, 11, and Teleza, 12, pseudonyms used to protect the identities of the minors and alleged victims.
Both girls dreamed of becoming nurses. Instead, their mothers learned that they had failed their examinations and would have to repeat the year.
The academic setback came after an experience that left the girls traumatised and struggling to concentrate during the examinations.
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The alleged incident occurred on July 2, 2026 when the girls travelled with other children to a neighbouring village to watch traditional dance rehearsals.
According to the girls, another child gave K100 to a masked dancer to chase them as part of the entertainment. The children scattered, laughing and running away.
But when Maria and Teleza reached a nearby stream, they allege the encounter took a frightening turn.
Maria said the masked dancer caught up with her, covered her mouth and sexually assaulted her.
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“When I tried to shout, he told me not to because he would call the other dancers,” she alleged.
Teleza, who was behind Maria, said she witnessed the attack before she was also assaulted.
“He forced us to follow him to a banana grove. He touched us against our will,” she alleged.
The matter is now before the courts. A suspect arrested in connection with the case is facing charges but has denied the allegations.
Police reports indicate that one girl was allegedly defiled while the other was subjected to non-consensual sexual touching.
The consequences of the alleged assault quickly affected the girls’ education.
One mother had to ask the school administration to allow her daughter to write her examinations the following day after she required urgent medical attention following the disclosure.
Matilda Kaliza Simba, chairperson of the local community mother group, said members visited the girls’ homes after learning about the incident.
She said the girls’ physical and emotional distress was evident during the examination period.
“One of the children was not walking properly. The way she walked showed that she may still be experiencing pain.
“We asked to speak to her, but school officials advised it might further disturb her while she was writing examinations,” Simba said.
Despite the setback, Maria and Teleza remain determined to pursue their dream of becoming nurses and say they will work harder in the coming term.
The trauma, however, extends beyond the classroom.
Maria’s mother said her daughter was initially too frightened to speak about the alleged assault and only disclosed what happened after persistent but gentle questioning.
“I went to the police and then to the hospital on July 4. Every time I look at my child, she appears frightened,” the mother said.
Teleza’s mother learned about the incident the following day. She said her daughter was similarly too frightened to speak initially and later gave a full account to the police.
The girls also say the experience has shattered their sense of safety, with some peers and community members allegedly subjecting them to gossip and mockery at the village borehole.
“We want the person responsible to face accountability under the law. That is the only way we will feel safe again,” the girls said.
Their mothers have called for a thorough legal process to ensure justice is served.
Simba warned that failure to decisively address such incidents could expose more children in rural communities to serious protection risks.
Ntcheu District Senior Child Protection Worker Jalasi Mdala confirmed that his office received the report and followed up with a welfare visit to the village.
“We want the perpetrator to face justice to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of the victims,” Mdala said.
As legal proceedings continue, Maria and Teleza are trying to rebuild their lives. They will watch their former classmates move ahead, but remain determined to pursue their dreams.
“We will study hard so that we can pass our examinations. We want to achieve our dreams,” they said.
