Attack victims in fear after suspects' bail

A Swakopmund couple who survived a brutal home invasion in July 2021 say they now live in fear after learning that two of the accused in their case are out on bail - and the alleged ringleader is once again on the run.Riaan Booysen (68) and Elizabeth Rossouw (69) accuse Namibia’s justice system of failing them, describing it as “incomprehensible” and “void of adhering to the administration of justice”. They say the four-year-old case has been marred by delays, reduced charges, and poor communication from state prosecutors.“The repeated release of violent crime suspects on bail, despite pending cases like ours, shows a justice system that doesn’t work for victims,” Booysen said. “We have lost all faith in it.”The couple were attacked on 13 July 2021 while Rossouw was in the middle of a live online training session. Three men stormed their home after the door was opened to let a dog outside.Booysen was struck with a panga, beaten with a broken table leg, and left with deep head wounds, severe bruising, and swelling. He was hospitalised for two weeks and underwent surgery to save his right eye, which doctors feared he might lose.Rossouw was pinned down while the attackers demanded cash and the keys to the safe. The incident was partially witnessed live by her online instructor, who quickly alerted police and the neighbourhood watch. All three suspects were arrested within 15 minutes.An accused with a history of escapesThe couple later discovered that the alleged ringleader, Andreas Victor Kaushi, had a history of escaping from police custody.In 2017, Kaushi fled between the Walvis Bay police station and court after being arrested for robbery with an unlicensed firearm. He escaped again while being escorted to court in Windhoek on another serious charge. Even after these escapes, he was granted bail in the Okahandja Court - only to abscond again. He remains a fugitive.Their frustration deepened when they arrived at the Swakopmund Regional Court on 19 May 2025, having been subpoenaed to testify against the remaining two accused - Gabriel Stephanus Emvula and Dorian Iiyambo - only to find both men walking free on bail.They also learnt that the original charges of attempted murder and housebreaking with aggravating circumstances had been downgraded to robbery. The hearing was postponed to 9 October after the government-appointed defence lawyer failed to appear, reportedly due to not being informed of the court date.“We were never told about the bail, the reduced charges, or even the court dates,” Rossouw said. “After four years, we feel abandoned by the system that’s supposed to protect us.”The couple has since hired a private lawyer and plan to pursue a civil case against all three accused once the criminal trial concludes.A wider problemTheir case comes amid growing concern over Namibia’s bail system. Last week, Namibian Sun reported police frustration over suspects with multiple serious charges being released repeatedly.Deputy police chief Elias Mutota said some suspects have “up to 10 cases” pending, yet are still granted bail without input from investigating officers.The report highlighted how several men arrested in Windhoek last month for attempted armed robbery were already out on bail for violent crimes, including double murder. Some are linked to multiple killings, armed robberies, and cash-in-transit heists.Mutota warned that even these suspects could be granted bail again. “It’s demoralising for investigators,” he said. “And I feel their pain because we too are frustrated.”

Attack victims in fear after suspects' bail

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-10-08

Please login to leave a comment

Attack victims in fear after suspects' bail

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-10-08

Please login to leave a comment

Login