Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) in conjunction with the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and Women Lawyers Association (WLA) will on Tuesday July 27, 2021 present terms of references for a fresh criminal probe into alleged rape and sexual assault of 18 women and girls of Msundwe, M’bwatalika and Mpingu areas in Lilongwe.

The women and girls were allegedly raped and sexually assaulted by police officers during post-election demonstrations in 2019.

A press statement by MHRC says while the survivors were compensated, it is important to know that the criminal elements of the case can only be investigated, validated and prosecuted by MPS.

“As key stakeholders, MHRC and WLA will ensure that MPS gets all the relevant and necessary support for a credible fresh investigation,” the statement says.