BLANTYRE, Malawi – Dutch national Wim Akster, a former Finance Director at Timotheos Foundation, has told the Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Blantyre that police forced him to sign a false confession in a high-profile sexual abuse case involving boys under a bursary programme.
Akster is facing charges related to alleged sodomy and sexual abuse of boys between 2019 and 2020. The court previously ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence for him to answer the allegations.Total brutality and disregard of human rights
During proceedings on Monday, State prosecutor Victor Jere cross-examined Akster over a caution statement allegedly recorded by police shortly after his arrest in 2020.
However, Akster denied voluntarily admitting to any offences, claiming he was pressured by investigators into signing the statement.
“I did not confess willingly,” Akster told the court, rejecting the contents of the caution statement presented by the prosecution.
But Akster questioned the authenticity of the document and told the court he had no knowledge of such a complaint.
Claims of Fabricated Allegations
In his defence, Akster maintained that the allegations against him were fabricated by former colleagues at Timotheos Foundation who allegedly wanted him removed from his position within the organisation.
He denied all accusations and insisted that the case against him was based on false claims.
The matter has been adjourned to Tuesday afternoon, when prosecutors are expected to continue cross-examining the Dutch national.
The case has attracted significant public attention in Malawi due to the seriousness of the allegations and Akster’s role at the Timotheos Foundation, an organisation involved in supporting vulnerable children through educational bursaries.A leadership showdown: Evaluating Mutharika and Chakwera’s impact on Malawi
As the trial continues, the court is expected to hear further evidence before determining the outcome of the case.
