The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe has reserved its ruling to Friday this week on bail application by a 45-year-old police officer Victor Masonga who is suspected to have defiled a 13-year-old girl.

Masonga, who appeared before Magistrate Montfort Misunje on Wednesday and has since pleaded not guilty, is suspected to have defiled the girl in May this year at Pacific Lodge in Lilongwe.

The State asked the court that the accused be in police custody for the next five days so that they conclude their investigations and that there are fears that if the suspect is released on bail is likely to interfere with State witnesses citing that some are his relations.

But defense lawyer Khwima Mchizi objected further detention of the accused citing that he is unlawfully being detained following the elapse of 48 hours as the suspect was arrested on 13 June 2021.

Magistrate Misunje is expected to deliver his determination on Friday morning this week.