Ntcheu Police Spokesperson Jacob Khembo says the incident happened on Wednesday evening and the police have since launched a manhunt.

“The girl met her fate while on her way to her grandparent's house where she wanted to spend a night,” said Khembo, adding that the body was found lifeless within the village.

According to Khembo, postmortem results from Ntcheu district hospital revealed that the death was due to strangulation.

While expressing sadness at the incident, child rights activist Amos Chibwana hopes the community will assist the police with information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

“There is a need for joint efforts between the communities and the police on information to arrest the culprits for justice to prevail,” he said.

The minor hailed from Malenga village, T/A Phambala in Ntcheu.