Congolese man on stab charge

A Congolese man was yesterday charged with trying to stab his partner and slightly injuring her when he slashed her hand during an argument at their Birkirkara home.

The couple, who have a two-year-old daughter, started arguing on Wednesday night while they were in Sliema. The situation escalated later that evening when they returned home, Police Inspector Josric Mifsud said during the arraignment of Edmond Malu Malu Monika Ngala.

Mr Ngala, 38, pleaded not guilty to holding the woman against her will and failing to control himself when drunk when in Sliema.

He was also charged with trying to seriously injure the woman, slightly injuring her, causing her to fear him, harassing her and being in illegal possession of a knife.

Mr Ngala was granted bail on condition he does not approach his partner and against a personal guarantee of €5,000.

Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna issued a protection order keeping him away from the woman, which will be in force until the case is decided. Lawyer Mark Fenech Vella represented the man.