Malawi police have arrested Tony Chirwa in a continued crackdown on homosexuals.
Southern Region police spokesman, Dave Chingwaru said in an interview Chirwa, 60 was arrested on Monday and has since been charged with sodomy.
“We arrested Chirwa after receiving a complaint that he has been sodomising a young man, “said Chingwaru.
He said police arrested the man after being tipped by the sodomised’s friend.
A medical report, tendered before the Blantyre Chief Resident Magistrates Court, indicated that traces of semen were found on the young man.
Chingwaru said police investigations have uncovered a network of high-profile people who are involved homosexual acts.
“Some are white expatriates, some are priests while others are university lecturers,” he said adding, “Police will arrest them all.”
In December last year, police officers arrested Monjeza and Chimbalanga at their home, charging them under sections 153 and 156 of the Malawian penal code for ‘unnatural offences’ and ‘indecent practices between males’.
This happened two days after Monjeza and Chimbalanga conducted a traditional engagement ceremony.
Chimbalanga was forced to undergo a medical examination to determine whether they had engaged in sexual intercourse, and both were subjected to a psychiatric evaluation.
They have been denied bail and remain in custody.
On January 30, the police arrested a21-year-old man— Peter Sawali — for pasting up posters saying “Gay Rights Are Human Rights.” He was prosecuted and was sentenced to two months’ community service .
A powerful Minister, Patricia Kaliati expelled a woman from her town although she was acquitted by the court of having sex with two girls.
Amnesty International including more than 40 rights groups from across the world have condemned the Malawi arrests.
Some organizations have started a legal defense fund.
Deputy government spokesman Kingsley Namakhwa recently said that gays must be more open – despite the fact they can be imprisoned for 14 years.
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