MP Kaliati ‘under-age sex’ charges withdrawn – Malawi Police

Malawi police have vindicated United Democratic Front (UDF) Parliamentarian for Machinga Central constituency, Shaibu Kaliati, who was alleged to have had sex with a girl believed to be underage at Annies Lodge in Lilongwe earlier this month.

Kaliati has been under heavy attack from fellow members of Parliament, women and human rights activists, but police on Friday cleared him as there is no incriminating evidence to open up a case against him.

National police Press and Public Relations Officer, Nicholas Gondwa said on Friday, Kaliati won’t be charged of any offence.

“There is no evidence to prove that the incident really happened. Therefore we can’t open up case against him,” said Gondwa.

Aside the lack of evidence, a medical report indicates that Kaliati did not have sexual intercourse with the girl as at that time she was menstruating.

“Hospital documents clearly show she was not defiled, actually it shows she was on monthly period at that particular time,” said Gondwa.

And Nyasa Times investigations revealed that the two met at populous drinking place, Bwandilo in the Capital City and that the girl is aged 23 and not 16 as earlier reported.

Our investigations also found out that the girl is a school leaver who sat for Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) last year and not a student at Bambino Private School as earlier reported.

It was reported earlier this month that Kaliati gave the girl K6, 000 as money to lure her into the sexual activity.

The woman had complained to police that Kaliati defiled her daughter, a minor, at Anne’s Lodge in Lilongwe and the law enforcers swiftly acted, arresting the legislator and charged him on two counts of abduction and defilement.

Gondwa said Kaliati was arrested to safeguard his life after people stormed Lingadzi police when the girl’s mother had gone there to lodge a complaint.

He said it would be unfair to continue with the case when there is no evidence at all.

Kaliati was disparaged on social media after one woman Jane Kathewera posted on gossip group Barnyard about the issue and claimed the MP had romped the underage girl.