The Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare has launched an investigation and rescued a child at the centre of a disturbing video circulating on social media, in which the minor is heard naming several men alleged to have been sexually abusing her.
According to Ministry of Gender spokesperson Linda Tembo, the Directorate of Child Affairs immediately initiated inquiries through district offices to trace the origin of the video.
“Working with district social welfare officers and child protection workers, [the] authorities managed to locate the child, who was identified as being from Lilongwe,” Tembo said
She said, on November 9, 2025, a team from the ministry visited the community, withdrew the child and placed her in a safe location to ensure her protection.
Tembo said the survivor has since undergone medical and psychological assessments to evaluate her physical and mental condition.
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The ministry has since reiterated its commitment to ensuring the child receives full support while investigations into the alleged perpetrators continue.
Child rights activist Memory Chisenga has described the incident as “a painful reminder” of the “deep-rooted” child protection failures in Malawi.
“This child’s brave disclosure should shake the entire nation. We commend the government for acting quickly but we need consistent community vigilance, stronger reporting systems and swift prosecution of offenders,” Chisenga said.
