Man Cuts Off and Sells Boy's Genitals

A Malawian man who removed a teenaged boy's genitals and sold them for use in witchcraft rituals has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with hard labour.

The court in the commercial capital Blantyre convicted Peter Namanja Chakwamba yesterday of committing "acts intended to cause grievous harm."

He had pleaded guilty to the crime.

The victim, a 14-year-old boy, had his genitals cut off by Chakwamba, who claimed a prominent businessman had paid him the equivalent of $685 to supply him with body parts last year.

The boy was left disfigured after reconstructive surgery failed.

The businessman, identified as Patrick Murama, is in jail awaiting trial on unrelated murder charges while two of Chakwamba's accomplices are still at large.

The practice of removing sexual organs is increasingly common in Malawi, as people use the parts in rituals they believe will make them rich.

Correspondents in Blantyre, Malawi - February 29, 2008 - posted at www.news.com.au

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