The State has paraded its first witness in a case where Moses Chinula, a now-suspended clinician at St Luke’s Hospital in Zomba, is being accused of defiling his 22-month-old daughter.

The State alleges Chinula committed the offence on January 28 this year.

State witness Loveness Chilenga Chinula, who is wife to the accused, has testified that after returning from work in the evening, her daughter, who was crying, told her “adadi andibaya” while pointing at her private parts.

Chilenga Chinula has further told the court that her husband ignored the little girl, a thing that prompted the mother to take a closer look at the private parts where she noticed some bruises.

The wife adds that the following morning, she went to Domasi Police where the child was referred to Domasi Rural Hospital where a medical examination revealed there was penetration.

She further told the court that after seven days, she went to Zomba Central Hospital on police recommendation apparently because the earlier medical report had no official stamp.

The second test reportedly turned out negative.

In cross-examination, defence lawyer Patrick Debwe wondered why the wife opted for Domasi Police and Domasi Rural Hospital which are far from where she claims the incident happened.

Debwe also wondered why Chilenga Chinula allowed her own colleague at Domasi Rural Hospital, where she works, to examine the child.

Chief Resident Magistrate Austin Banda has adjourned the hearing to 2pm when the State is expected to parade two more witnesses.