State charges clinician with defilement
The State has charged Mzuzu Central Hospital (MCH) clinician Hope Chipwatali (36) with defilement.
Defence lawyer Christon Ghambi confirmed the charge in an interview on Monday, saying it is the right charge as the alleged victim is an adult imbecile.
Particulars of the case are that on January 20 2013, Chipwatali had an unlawful carnal knowledge of a female imbecile at MCH.
When the case was brought before court on Thursday, Chipwatali pleaded not guilty and the State promised to parade four witnesses.
Ghambi, however, applied for bail despite the State’s objection.
Mzuzu chief resident magistrate Joseph Chigona granted bail on condition that Chipwatali should pay K20 000 (about $58) cash and produce two sureties who should pay K5 000 (about $14) cash each.
He also ordered the suspect to report to police every Tuesday and Friday, surrender their travel documents, not to leave Mzuzu without State consent and not to interfere with witnesses, among others.
The suspect comes from Khuwi Village, Traditional Authority Kaphuka in Dedza.
