Rape accused granted N$10 000 bail

An Otjiwarongo resident accused of raping a 15-year-old Grade 8 learner at a guesthouse in the town on 12 August was granted N$10 000 late last month despite initially being remanded in custody until 7 September for a formal bail application.

Court records show that Vehonga Ndura's bail was considered on 25 August, nearly two weeks before the date initially set by the Otjiwarongo Magistrate's Court.

State prosecutor Wendy Nkando told Namibian Sun the complainant did not oppose Ndura's release on bail.

According to public records, the complainant had been invited to a gathering at the guest house, where the alleged incident is said to have occurred later that night.

She reportedly fled to a bathroom before later informing her parents, who subsequently reported the matter to police.

Ndura was arrested on 16 August and made his first appearance in the Otjiwarongo Magistrate's Court two days later.

Opposed

At his first appearance on 18 August, the State objected to bail, arguing that police investigations were not finalised.

The State cited the seriousness of the alleged offence, the possibility that Ndura could interfere with police investigations and the strength of the State's case among the grounds for opposing his release.

Ndura’s lawyer at the time indicated that the defence intended to bring a bail application and requested the services of an Otjiherero interpreter.

Namibian Sun was present in court when the matter was postponed to 7 September for a bail application, with Ndura remaining in custody.

However, the matter returned to court on 25 August.

Court records for that appearance states that bail was considered after the court considered the docket and a statement filed by the complainant's mother.

The records indicate that the complainant and her mother did not object to bail, subject to conditions.

As part of the court's bail conditions, Ndura is not allowed to come into contact or close to the complainant or contact her directly or indirectly.

He was also ordered not to interfere with police investigations.

The matter was subsequently postponed to 4 November while investigations continue.

Another person was initially arrested in connection with the alleged incident but was later released and did not appear in court.

The State previously indicated that there was insufficient evidence linking that individual to the alleged offence because the person was reportedly unaware of Ndura's alleged actions.

Ndura is employed at an electricity distribution company in Otjiwarongo. He had reportedly not returned to work by yesterday.

The criminal matter is scheduled to return to the Otjiwarongo Magistrate's Court on 4 November for further investigations.

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