Ngomwa, former Chief Commercial Officer at Medical Aid Society of Malawi, is answering rape and defilement cases in the Chief Resident Magistrate's Court in Blantyre.

Maere says it is for that reason that he needs more time to prepare for defense of his client.

He, therefore, asked the court to adjourn the case to July 9 this year.

In response to the request, state expressed surprise that defense is not ready to proceed with the case on Thursday.

State says defense had enough time to prepare for the case from the last court sitting, about three weeks ago.

However, the state did not object to the request by defense, saying it is in the interest of fair trial.

State lawyer added that they were also yet to be served with witness statements from defense; hence, no objection to the request.

The court has therefore ordered defense to make sure that all the witnesses are available during the next hearing.

The case has since been adjourned to 9 July, 2021 as requested by the defendant.

The 49-year-old Ngomwa is being accused of defiling his niece last year.