Reported By Emily M’mangisa
Principal Resident Magistrate Court in Zomba has set January 3, 2025, as the day it will pass judgement in a case in which former police sergeant, Twalick Mpaweni is answering a case on two counts namely; having sexual intercourse with a minor and aiding a suspect to escape from lawful custody at Kachulu Police in Zomba.
This came after the accuseds defense team presented the remaining two witnesses in court on Wednesday.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Inspector Agness Magwira, one of the witnesses, submitted a police report on September 7, 2023, without including a medical report to confirm whether the girl had engaged in sexual intercourse with Mpaweni.
The accuseds side also presented an additional witness, bringing the total number of witnesses to four.
Speaking during the court session, Principal Resident Magistrate, Martin Chipofya instructed both sides to file their submission before December 27.
“Both parties involved in this case must make their documents ready and submit them on 27 this month,” added Chipofya and announced that the court will pass its judgement on January 3, next year.
In her remarks, Tiyamike Chigoneka, who is representing the state and a member of the Women Lawyers Association of Malawi (WLAM), said was satisfied with how the case was progressing and hoped that justice will take its course.
Hanleck Ching’anda from Legal Aid Bureau, representing Mpaweni said his team was equally satisfied with how the case had been handled.
“We are pleased with the testimony of our witnesses and remain optimistic that the court will rule in our favor. However, we acknowledge that the final decision rests with the court,” Ching’anda added.
The former police officer Mpaweni, was arrested for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl who was under police custody at Kachulu Police Post in Zomba on August 27, 2023.
