Chief Resident Magistrate Patrick Chirwa of Lilongwe Registry has set Monday next week as a date he will deliver ruling on a bail application by a Chinese national Bin Liu who was arrested over wildlife related offences.

Liu, who was arrested on August 24 this year, has been in police custody after Magistrate Chirwa earlier denied granting him bail mid this month on the basis that the offense is a felony.

Appearing before court Monday afternoon, State prosecutor Prescort Mwaiulipo said the court needs to consider interest of justice before granting the accused bail.

“The right to bail is not an absolute right as there are no special circumstances with the present case and that the application lacks merit.

“As the State is ready to commence the case in accordance with evidence it has gathered so far,” said Mwaiulipo.

But responding to State`s submissions, the defense told the court that the suspect can still be released on bail despite seriousness of the charge levelled against him.

According to the defense, the accused should be given benefit of doubt arguing that he cannot continue suffering indefinitely.

Magistrate Chirwa has since reserved ruling on bail application to October 4, 2021.

According to Police, the accused was found in possession of a specimen of listed species namely 13 processed ivory pieces and 5 pieces of raw ivory weighing 10.250kgs valued at K9.2 million.