The Chief Resident Magistrate`s court in Lilongwe has given Stuart Kalungama, a man who is suspected to have being defiling his 9-year-old stepdaughter, 7 days to find a lawyer to represent him in his case.

Magistrate Patrick Chirwa granted Kalungama the said days after his previous lawyer filed a notice of withdraw.

According to Kalungama, his lawyer withdrew his representation from the matter on the basis that the court is biased and that his client will not have a fair trial.

Speaking to Yoneco FM, Women Lawyers Association President Immaculate Maluza who is also representing the State in the case concurred with the accused that he has a right to be represented.

“He will be looking for a new lawyer and we will be waiting for a notice of delivery of ruling from the same court.

“The accused person has a right to have legal representation so as State, we cannot, in good faith deny him that right,” said Maluza.

But in a separate interview, gender rights activist Dr Jessie Kabwira has expressed a concern at the pace at which the case is progressing.

“I am very hungry, very annoyed, because to tell you the truth the longer we take these shenanigans that Stuart is playing, the angrier we get as women.

“Because quite honestly, this is delaying our justice system but then we a democracy we have to operate within rules of this country and if he has a right to representation which he has, he can run, but he can’t hide, these seven days will run up,” said Kabwira.

Kalungama is currently on remand at Maula Prison in Lilongwe.