Alleged stepson killer 'threatened to cut girlfriend's throat out'

A Windhoek man accused of killing his girlfriend’s young grandson allegedly threatened to slit her throat during a violent outburst on the same night, the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court heard yesterday.

Erick Moses !Kharugub (34) made his first court appearance on charges of murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), read with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act.

The charges relate to a Saturday night incident in the Prosperita area, where the accused is alleged to have unleashed a violent attack on both his partner, 45-year-old Maria Pienaar, and her four-year-old grandson, Romeo Peinaar.

According to court documents, !Kharugub not only assaulted Pienaar but also threatened to cut her throat during the altercation. In the same episode, he allegedly grabbed the child by the legs and repeatedly slammed him against the ground.

Police say the incident occurred around 21h00 during a physical confrontation between the couple. The child, who was under Pienaar’s guardianship, sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

During his brief court appearance, !Kharugub indicated that he intends to represent himself and confirmed he will not apply for bail.

The State said investigations remain at an early stage, with key evidence such as photoplans, witness statements and CCTV footage still outstanding. The matter was postponed to 10 June for further police investigations. !Kharugub remains in custody.

Cycle of violence

Speaking to NBC, Pienaar described a relationship marked by fear, violence and control since meeting the accused six months ago.

She alleged that assaults were frequent, leaving her feeling trapped and unable to leave.

The events of Saturday night, she said, began with a request to accompany !Kharugub to the truck port in Prosperita to sell personal belongings. However, his demeanour allegedly shifted along the way, turning from calm to aggressive, with insults and threats to kill her.

She further claimed that he then turned his anger on the child.

“He picked him up like a bag of cement and smashed him against the concrete. There was no one around; no one could hear me scream,” Pienaar said. - [email protected]