The case in which police officers are alleged to have sexually assaulted 18 women and girls in in the areas of Mpingu, Mbwatalika and Msundwe in Lilongwe in October last year is set for hearing on July 30 to 31 this year.

This comes as the Women Lawyers Association has finally been granted audience by the court on their application in the case on July 16 this year.

In a statement signed by the association’s public relations officer Mphatso Iphani, earlier, the association sued the Malawi government to seek redress and accountability for the violation of rights of 18 women and girls on October 8 last year following anti-government protests.

On May 26 this year, the court ordered the state to file and present witness statements and skeleton arguments within a 14-day period which was not done to date.

However, following the failure by the state to honour the court’s order, the association applied for a sanction and striking out of the defense.

The court has since granted the association audience on their application on July 16 this year.