Mzuzu pastor held over sex abuse of child during prayer visit

A 53-year-old pastor has been arrested in Mzuzu after allegedly sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl who had visited his home for prayers with her mother and a friend.

Daniel Gondwe, a pastor at the Everlasting Church of God, was taken into custody by police following the allegations.

Police allege that after praying for the girl’s mother, Gondwe instructed the child and her friend to go into a separate room, where the abuse is said to have taken place.

He is further accused of warning the girl not to disclose what had happened.

Gondwe has not yet appeared in court, and it remains unclear when he is expected to be formally charged or arraigned.

Malawi Police Service has not issued a detailed public statement beyond confirming the arrest, and the Everlasting Church of God has yet to comment publicly on the matter.

Cases of alleged child sexual abuse involving religious leaders have periodically drawn public concern in Malawi, with civil society groups in the past calling for stronger safeguarding measures within churches and faith-based organisations, though it is not yet clear whether any such calls have followed this specific case.

Investigations are understood to be ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses through the justice system.