Malawi Police denies abuse allegation on man posing as woman
Malawi Police has denied having committed any form of human rights infringement in the arrest and interrogation process of Von Gomani, a 19-year-old male who disguised himself as a woman and posed as a commercial sex worker.
Police publicist for Kanengo police station, Salome Zgambo was reacting to concerns from some human rights bodies and members of the general public who alleged that the suspect was forced to strip off his clothes in front of police officers who later mocked the suspect.
Zgambo said Gomani was taken to a private room where he was politely requested to remove his shirt.
“We did not strip him off in front of officers. He was taken to a private room,” said Zgambo.
Von Gomani was arrested on Monday for soliciting for immoral means after he had worn makeup and tricked a man into believing he was a woman.
Apart from this charge, the suspect is also answering a charge of being idle and disorderly for which Mkukula Magistrate Court in Lilongwe granted him bail on Wednesday, according to Zgambo.
She further the suspect will reappear before court next week to answer charges of attempted theft, which he was originally arrested for.
The identity of the complainant, who took Gomani to police on accusation of attempted theft, is still being kept under wraps by the Kanengo Police
Meanwhile, Zgambo has disclosed that Gomani’s arrest has unearthed more reports on men previously falling victims to such tricky acts in similar setups.
Disgusting turn of events. Men are men and woman are woman barring some sort of dramatic story. Why is that so hard to understand.
The man is just innocent. Leave him alone and go in search for criminals.