Police Sergeant Accused of Defiling Girl Granted Bail by Magistrate

Sgt. James Luciano of Marka Police Unit granted bail despite defilement charges of 17-yr-old girl in custody, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

NSANJE, Malawi - Sergeant James Luciano of Marka Police Unit has been granted bail by the First Grade Magistrate Court in Nsanje, despite facing charges of defiling a 17-year-old girl who was in custody at the unit, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

The victim had been detained on accusations of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace when the alleged incident took place.

Luciano pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him. However, police prosecutor Assistant Superintendent Dalireni Kalunguluka presented four witnesses who testified that the accused had committed the offence on April 3, 2023.

During the bail hearing, First Grade Magistrate Watson Mankhanamba ordered the suspect to pay a cash bail bond of K300,000:00 and produce a surety bond of K200,000:00.

The suspect was also instructed to report to the police station on Friday fortnight.

The case has been adjourned to May 10, 2023, for further proceedings.