The High Court in Zomba on Monday, denied a bail application by Masozi Chanthunya, who is accused of murdering his Zimbabwean girlfriend, Linda Gasa in 2010.

Presiding over the case, judge, Dr. Redsen Kapindu said the court has no assurance that the suspect will be available during the trial.

“The first time the suspect was recorded a caution statement by the police when it was noted that Linda is missing, he fled to South Africa and to the court, we suspect that he was escaping an arrest.”

“It’s hard therefore to release him on bail as we can’t be assured of his presence during the court appearance,” said Dr. Kapindu.

State lead prosecutor in the case, Dr. Steven Kayuni told YFM in an interview that the state is impressed with the judgement.

Kayuni added that the nature of the case is complicated and giving him the bail, will compromise everything in the proceedings.

He said the state is ready with all the evidences in the case which include 15 witnesses and also documentaries.

When asked for reaction, defense lawyer, Crispin Ngunde refused to comment on the judgment saying he has been advised by his client not to talk to the media on the issue.

However, reliable sources from both the lawyer and the family, have confided in to YFM that an appeal on the issue will be made within 14 working days.

Chanthunya, 42, who hails from Chanthunya Village in Traditional Authority Chanthunya in Balaka District is suspected to have killed Gasa on August 4, 2010 following a disagreement emerged between the two over pregnancy issues.

Chanthunya went on the run after the body of Gasa was found concealed under concrete at a private cottage in Mangochi.

The case will commence on Monday, 23rd July 2018 with a visit at the cottage in Monkey- Bay where the remains of Gasa were buried.