Two men nabbed for ‘gay sex’ act charged in Malawi

Malawi Police has charged two men arrested in Lilongwe with ‘engaging in unnatural acts’ offence after being allegedly found having sexual romps.

The two, Cuthbert Kulemela, 19, and Kelvin Gonani, 39, were reportedly arrested having a gay sex act at Area 25 in the capital city.

Gay sex is a crime in Malawi with custodial sentences of up to 14 years imprisonment.

Kanengo Police spokesperson Ester Nkwanda said the incident happened on Monday after the two had been at a drinking joint and agreed to go to the house of Gonani where they had “gay sex” activity.

“When Kulemela was leaving the house he met community policing members who asked him several questions on what had been transpiring inside the house,” said Nkwanda.

He admitted to have been having sex with his fellow man.

Malawi government said it will not change its laws against homosexuality.

Campaigners say that Malawi’s anti-gay laws hamper the country’s HIV prevention efforts.

Enforcement of anti-gay laws was temporarily halted in November 2012, when then-Justice Minister Ralph Kasambara directed arrests to stop, pending a debate in Parliament.

However, after a fierce reaction from churches and lobbying groups, enforcement of the laws was reinstated a few days later.