|
|
|
|
| National |
| Farmer nabbed for child abduction |
|
by
Francis Tayanjah-Phiri, 17 July 2006
-
05:17:45
|
A prominent farmer in Kasungu has been arrested for allegedly abducting three boys in Lilongwe at the weekend.
Falizani Yeretsani, 69, who owns a tobacco estate in the district, was arrested in Mchinji when he was about to board a bus to Kasungu.
Mchinji police spokesperson Felix Chisakasa confirmed the incident, saying Yeretsani would appear in court soon.
“The suspect is a prominent farmer in Kasungu and went to Kamoyo Village, Chief Malili in Lilongwe, where he got the youngsters for employment,” said Chisakasa.
The boys—names and ages withheld—were allegedly lured by the suspect who said he would offer them a lucrative package if they worked for him.
“The elder [boy] was recruited as a tenant, while the rest were taken to work as cattle herd boys, all to be stationed at his farm,” said Chisakasa.
According to the PRO, the suspect is said to have taken advantage of the boys’ poverty to coax them to accompany him to Kasungu.
He said Yeretsani behaved suspiciously when he was about to change buses at Mchinji, arousing the curiosity of some people who tipped the police.
The suspect, who hails from Bema Village, Sub-T/A Thunduwala in Kasungu, told police that the boys were his deceased brother’s sons, a claim the youngsters denied in a police statement.
“The children insisted that they were taken to work at Yeretsani’s farm. The suspect has been charged with abduction and employment of young persons,” said Chisakasa.
If found guilty, Yeretsani could face a 7-year sentence. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
