The court in Zomba today ruled that police officer Twalick Mpaweni is guilty of molesting a child and helping a person escape from police custody.

Mpaweni, who is a police officer at the Kachulu police station in Zomba, is believed to have committed the crime on the night of August 27 last year when he allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl who was locked up in a cell and released her after having sex with her.

The case is being heard by Martin Chipofya.

The government side is supported by the Women Lawyers Association and twelve witnesses testified on the matter.

After delivering the verdict, Vitumbiko Mbidzi from the Women Lawyers Association said they are ready to question the witnesses.

Mr Hanleck Ching’anda, who is representing Mr Mpaweni, said that he has brought three witnesses to the court to show that the defendants did not commit the crime.

Mr. Chipofya has adjourned the case until November 27 when the government will present its witnesses.