Zambian truck drivers remain in jail for trans attack

Two Zambian nationals who allegedly assaulted a Namibian transgender person at Walvis Bay in January, and were subsequently charged with attempted murder, remain in jail. The pair has so far made two court appearances in the Walvis Bay Magistrate's Court.

The accused, Shabombe Gift Shiamenze (32) and Jonathan Kamfwa (40), appeared before Magistrate John Sindano and their bail applications were denied. The case was also adjourned until 13 June.

State prosecutor Penouua Katjiukua opposed bail because the alleged victim is in Windhoek, and requested that the court adjourn as the investigation has not yet been concluded.

"The DNA as well as the victim's statement are still outstanding," she said.

The two defendants, who worked as truck drivers in Namibia, were said to have been hanging out with a woman. She apparently asked if she could invite another woman to join them. The person arrived and only after they left the hangout did the men realise that the person was transgender. They reportedly assaulted the transgender person afterwards.

The police were only informed of the incident after an ambulance picked up the alleged victim and took them to hospital.

According to court documents, the alleged victim was hit over their body and head with an unknown object, which reportedly resulted in a skull fracture.

The two accused informed the magistrate that they had already applied for legal aid. However, their application forms were apparently never received and they therefore still do not have legal representation. They have indicated that they will apply again.

The men will remain in custody until their next court appearance.