The Blantyre Magistrate Court has started hearing a case against Andrew Ngomwa, Medical Aid Society of Malawi (Masm) Chief commercial officer who is accused of defiling his niece.
During plea, Ngomwa choose to exercise his right of remaining silent.
He has been charged with five offences but the state has started prosecuting him on four offences namely rape , defilement , having sexual intercourse with a minor under ones care, indecent practice in the presence of a child and procuring defilement by administering a drug.
Following the plea, the state paraded one witness, a mother to the victim.
The witness has told the court that the victim told her that it was her uncle who defiled her.
According to the witness, the disclosure came after a scan at Adventist Hospital confirmed that the victim was pregnant.
This is part of the questions that defense council Fostino Maere.
Can you confirm that Ngowa is your step brother?
Yes
Can confirm if at any point you asked Ngomwa to assist you in your education?
Yes, when l was doing school at Malawi Health Sciences.
Did he help you?
No
Is it because , he told you that you were married and your husband should be responsible for that?
He didn’t say that.
Can you confirm, the accused person has stayed with the victim for 8 years?
Yes
Why did you let her stay with him?
Because l trusted him and he assured me that the child will get better education in town as the area we are staying at is in the village.
May you confirm that the accused started staying with the victim when she was three years?
Yes
And you allowed a three year old to stay with the accused?
Yes
Do u agree with me that a three year old is a young child?
Yes
So you gave permission to the accused to look after a three year old child?
Yes
As a parent, you would agree with me that taking care of a three year old is a very difficult job?
Yes
Where was you husband?
With me.
Are you aware that the victim, knew she was not going to have a birthday party in 2020 and that is why is wanted to stay on at the suspect’s house?
I don’t know.
Are you aware that your other daughter has a child with a husband of your niece?
Yes
So you will agree me that your other daughter broke the marriage of your niece?
That is a private issue.
Are you aware that the victim , wrote something on the social media which did not please your niece?
Yes
Probably it’s in your family habit to have grudges with the accused and his relations?
No
One of your daughets broke the marriage of your niece and the victim is trying to break the life of the accused person.
I don’t think so
Are you aware that the victim drinks?
No
As an adult would drink?
No
Do you know the taste of beer?
Yes because l tested it before.
A person who can conclude that this is beer should know the taste of beer?
No, because you can smell it.
You were shown a document, in which you said it is a report for the scan which was conducted?
Is it a report or receipt?
A report
Is there any sign that it is a report?
Yes, there are results of the scan.
Can confirm that you never saw the accused raping the victim?
Yes
Can you confirm that you did not do the scan?
I did not.
In your evidence, you said your daughter said it was the accused person who raped her and you did not believe it?
Yes, l could not believe because l was shocked.
So other people can be shocked and not believe aswell?
No , because it is my daughter.
Has your daughter ever told you about a person nicknamed bardo?
No
Are you aware that your daughter likes bardo?
I don’t know.
Are you aware that your daughter was seen several times taking emergency pills?
I don’t know.
Can you agree with me that it is only somebody who is afraid of pregnancy, who can take emergency pills?
I don’t know.
The case has since been adjourned to 30th March , 2021 for hearing.