Suspect in rape case denied bail

A man police suspect may be linked to the alleged rape of nine women in Rundu since December has been denied bail after appearing in the Rundu Magistrate's Court on charges of rape, housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, assault by threat and indecent assault.

Anton Babinu Zola (29) appeared before magistrate Sonia Samupofu on Monday, where public prosecutor Sylvia Pinehas opposed bail, arguing that the charges were serious, the accused was likely to abscond and that granting bail would not be in the interest of the public.

Samupofu remanded Zola in custody before postponing the matter to 3 September to allow him to apply for legal aid.

The State alleges that on 22 January at the NHE Mass Housing complex in Rundu, Zola raped a woman in her home.

The State further alleges that Zola fled the woman's house with a stolen Samsung cell phone valued at N$3 500, an Asus laptop worth N$6 000, a Sinotec television valued at N$9 000 and a wig worth N$4 000. He is also accused of stealing sandals and N$200 cash.

Prosecutors further allege that Zola threatened the complainant with a panga.

Ongoing investigation

Police believe Zola may also be connected to a series of alleged rape cases in Rundu dating back to December 2025, in which numerous women were reportedly attacked by a masked man.

Investigators are waiting for DNA test results to determine whether the accused can be linked to those incidents.

In April, Kavango East regional crime investigations coordinator Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu told Namibian Sun that investigators had identified various persons of interest and collected forensic samples but were still awaiting the results.

The alleged attacks are reported to have followed a similar pattern, with a masked man allegedly breaking into the victims' homes while armed with a knife or panga before raping them.

Zola has not been charged in connection with the other alleged rape cases.