A man who spent two years behind bars for a sexual offence against a minor has walked free after the High Court in Zomba overturned his conviction.
Saint Mark Nangwere was convicted in 2024 under sections 138(1) and 137(1) of the Penal Code, which cover sexual offences against a minor and indecent assault, and sentenced to 14 years.
On 28 September 2026, the High Court allowed his appeal, acquitted him and set aside the sentence.
At trial, two defence witnesses told the court that Nangwere was with them throughout the day of the alleged incident, doing carpentry apprenticeship work and having lunch at the same place.
On appeal, the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau argued that the lower court erred in law by convicting Nangwere despite this alibi.
It also argued that the prosecution failed to prove every element of the offences beyond reasonable doubt and did not disprove the alibi.
The case was handled by Assistant Director Zaheed Ndeketa and Senior Legal Aid Advocates Chibamahara Msyale and Uza Kaime.
