Windhoek woman charged over alleged fatal stabbing of brother-in-law

Andrea Helena Feris (46) made her first appearance in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court yesterday following her arrest over the alleged killing of her brother-in-law and the non-fatal stabbing of her estranged husband at a home in Elisenheim last weekend.

She faces one count of murder and one count of attempted murder.

She was remanded in custody after state prosecutor Marlon Adams told the court the State fears she could interfere with ongoing police investigations.

Adams also cited the seriousness of the offences and public interest as factors weighing against granting bail.

Feris told the court she intends to apply for legal aid. The matter was postponed to 4 June.

She is accused of fatally stabbing her brother-in-law, Abre Maasdorp, twice in the lower right side of the stomach and once in the right side of the chest. He collapsed at the scene and was declared dead by City of Windhoek emergency services.

Feris is also alleged to have stabbed the father of her 18-year-old daughter, who had gone to the house after the teenager reportedly contacted him saying her mother was behaving erratically.

Family emergency turns deadly

Preliminary police investigations indicate the incident occurred around 14:35 on Sunday and involved Feris and her husband, who are currently undergoing divorce proceedings.

According to police, the couple’s daughter, who lives with her mother, called her father on Sunday morning to report that Feris was smashing items in the home.

The father immediatley went to the residence, accompanied by his brother, Abre Maasdorp.

Police reports say the father entered the house while Maasdorp remained in the car.

According to the daughter’s statement to police, Feris allegedly confronted her husband as he entered and told him he would not take their daughter. She then reportedly grabbed a knife and stabbed him in the lower left side of his back.

The injured man ran outside, drawing the attention of his brother, who rushed towards the house, where Feris is accused of fatally stabbing him.

During the altercation, the husband reportedly threw a small bottle of water at Feris, striking her on the forehead. Their daughter then fled to a neighbour’s house.

Emergency responders transported the injured man to Mediclinic Windhoek, where paramedics described his injuries as moderate.

Feris, who police say has a history of mental health issues, was treated by emergency personnel and taken to Katutura State Hospital with moderate injuries.