Police arrest prophetess and two others over unlawful detention of woman

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

Police in Mwanza District have arrested a 43 year old woman, Martha Nthengu who calls herself a prophetess together with two others over allegations of unlawfully detaining a woman said to have a mental illness.

The two other suspects arrested alongside Nthengu are Judith Mikeyasi and Martha William, all from Masokosa Village under Traditional Authority Nthache in Mwanza.

According to Mwanza Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Ritta Nyirongo, the incident is reported to have occurred in November last year.

Nyirongo said the victim’s husband learned that his wife had been taken to Nthengu’s home for prayers aimed at curing her mental illness.

However, the husband became suspicious after making several attempts to visit his wife at the prophetess’s home but was repeatedly denied access.

This unusual restriction raised serious concern, prompting the husband to believe that something was wrong.

As a result, he reported the matter to Mwanza Police for further investigation.

Police investigations revealed that the woman was allegedly tied by her hands and legs, an act believed to have been meant to prevent her from moving freely or escaping.

Nyirongo said when police questioned Nthengu about the incident, she claimed the woman was restrained to prevent disturbances during prayer sessions.

Nthengu reportedly told police that she believed the woman was possessed by multiple demons, which allegedly caused her mental condition.

Police say investigations into the matter are still ongoing to establish whether other offences were committed.

Meanwhile, Martha Nthengu and her two co-accused remain in custody and are awaiting their appearance in court to answer the charges.