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Gwaladi case fails to commence

 

Hearing of the defilement case involving popular local musician Joe Gwaladi failed to commence before Phalombe Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday due to busy schedule by First Grade Magistrate Damison Banda.

Both the defence lawyer Chancy Gondwe and State prosecutor confirmed the development in separate interviews.

Last week, Phalombe Police told The Nation that Gwaladi will appear in court on January 19 for hearing in a case in which he is accused of defiling a 14-year-old girl in Phalombe last year.

Gwaladi : Accused of defilimg a girl
Gwaladi : Accused of defilimg a girl

But the case will have to be shifted to another date after its failure to commence yesterday.

“The prosecutor said hearing of the case failed to take place on January 19 because the court and the defence communicated new dates because of   the Magistrate’s busy schedule,” said Phalombe Police spokesperson Augustus Nkhwazi.

On his part, Gondwe said that he was discussing with the State on the possibility of bringing the case for hearing in chambers today or on Friday.

Gwaladi was arrested by Phalombe Police in May last year on suspicion that he defiled a 14-year-old girl, but he was granted bail.

If found guilty on the charge, he faces a possibility of spending 14 years (maximum) behind bars, according to Section 138(1) of the Penal Code.

The section states: “Any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults any woman or girl shall be guilty of a felony and shall be liable to imprisonment for 14 years.” n

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