Magistrate Tsoka Banda of Blantyre registry has adjourned to 12 July delivery of his verdict in a case involving Andrew Chagaga, who was found with a case to answer regarding allegations that he raped a 17-year-old Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences student while serving as a police officer.

He allegedly committed the act during the night of 12 December 2020 while the said victim was in police custody.

State lawyer Ruth Kaima says Banda has adjourned the case as he is currently in his home village in the North.

The country has registered a surge in rape cases in the past one year with many people including right activists calling for a stiffer punishment.