Women rights activists in the country has asked authorities to avoid delaying tactics in handling Msundwe police rape cases.

Chairperson for NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN), Barbra Banda said the move will deter would-be offenders and promote women rights in the country.

Following Malawi government’s failure to present witness statement and skeleton arguments before court after the Women Lawyers Association sued it over 18 women and girls who were raped and sexually assaulted by police officers in Mpingu, Mbwatalika and Msundwe.

The association applied to the court to continue with the case of which the court granted the association the audience on July 16, saying it will proceed with case hearing on 30 and 31 July.

Banda further asked authorizes to run the case at its pace so as to ensure that justice prevails for the women of Nsundwe.

Some police officers are suspected to have raped and sexually assaulted 18 women and girls in the areas of Mpingu, M’bwatalika and Msundwe on October 8, 2019 as they were discharging their duties.