In Mangochi, Malawi, Prophet Christopher Phiri of the Supernatural Embassy Ministry appeared in court after being detained on charges of sexually abusing his 16-year-old daughter.
The prophet was accused of defilement and taken into custody in the district last week. On social media, images and videos pertaining to the alleged sexual abuse also surfaced.
On Friday, December 8, 2023, Phiri showed up in court and refuted the allegations.
In the case being tried by Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Maxwell Chande, the state presented four witnesses. The toddler, her mother, a police officer, and a medical officer were among the witnesses.
Prosecutors will examine the charges against Phiri, Brenda Nkhwale, the lawyer for the Centre for Human Rights Education Advice Assistance (CHREAA), said the court.
Meanwhile, the hearing of the case has been adjourned to December 19, when the court is also expected to make a roiling on Phiri’s bail application.
Earlier, police said the girl spoke about having been sexually abused and that her father had threatened to stop paying her school fees if she dared reveal her ordeal to anyone.
Police also confirmed discovering pornographic pictures and videos of the two in the suspect’s phone.
Mangochi Police spokesperson, Amina Tepani Daudi further said the victim was issued with a referral letter to Koche Health Centre where it was revealed that she was carnally known.