Dennis Noa court proceedings

An Onandjokwe State Hospital medical intern appeared before Magistrate Shantell-Antoinette Wanga-Harris today for the fixing of dates for the continuation of his formal bail application.

He faces one count of sexual assault, allegedly committed at his official residence at Onandjokwe Hospital on the 17th of July.

Today, the court proposed the 24th of November and the 29th to 30th of December 2026 for the continuation.

His defence lawyer, Beatrix Bianca Booi, did not agree with the proposed dates. She argued that they are too far, that a bail application must be treated urgently and fairly, and that her client has been in custody since July. She submitted that proceedings should continue even if the prosecutor is not available.

Prosecutor Bernadine Bertolini responded that the State has been available since the applicant's first appearance, but three court days were wasted because the defence said they were not ready and needed time to prepare, which the court granted. She added that this month she is fully occupied with a serious case at the High Court.

In her ruling, Magistrate Wanga-Harris said it would not be just to ignore the State's availability after the court had already accommodated the defence. She therefore ruled that the continuation of the formal bail application will be on the 24th of November and the 29th to 30th of December 2026.

Update and Video: Loise Shiimi