Rundu — The Outapi Magistrate's Court on Monday deferred to September 18 the case in which a police officer stands accused of raping a 16-year-old girl.

At the time of the alleged defilement the victim, whose name cannot be disclosed under the law - was aged 10 years.

The suspect Matias Nafuka, 46, who has been part of the police force for 16 years, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him.

He is accused of allegedly repeatedly raping the minor from 2006 until it was reported in April this year.

Yesterday's appearance, under Section 119, was his third court appearance.

It is alleged that he raped the victim on different occasions.

The victim, who lived in the same house as Nafuka, is the daughter of Nafuka's live-in girlfriend with whom he has a child.

Magistrate Fredrich Musakana postponed the case and submitted it for a Prosecutor -General for a decision.

State Prosecutor Phineas Mpofu represented the State.