Suspect who threatened lawyers granted bail

A man accused of threatening to kill “lawyers and magistrates” has been granted bail by the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court, raising serious concerns.

The decision comes as the country continues to mourn the recent murder of a top prosecutor.

Yesterday, Levi Vries (62), a former education inspector, appeared in court.

He was arrested on Friday after allegedly shouting at a local shop: “We will kill you, lawyers and magistrates.”

Despite the chilling threat, magistrate Shantell-Antoinette Wanga Harris granted Vries bail of N$3 000. He is due to appear in court again on 4 March.

Living in fear

The suspect’s release has alarmed members of the legal profession.

Less than two weeks ago, the nation buried Justine Shiweda, a prosecutor from the same town who was killed in a brutal attack.

In October last year, Shiweda was shot and attacked with acid after she reportedly refused a bribe in a bail case.

She fought for her life for several months but died on 7 February.

Her death has left many court officials questioning their safety while carrying out their duties.

Leaders call for protection

The bail decision contrasts sharply with the statements recently made by Namibian leaders in the wake of Shiweda's death. 

Speaking at Shiweda’s funeral through Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah described the attack as “horrific and senseless".

She pledged that the government would protect court officials and that “criminality and intimidation” would not be allowed to undermine the law.

Chief Justice Peter Shivute also warned that attacking a court official is an attack on the entire justice system.

More threats reported

The danger is not limited to Ondangwa.

Recently, another prosecutor in Grootfontein also faced threats, and police moved quickly to arrest the suspect.

However, questions remain over whether the courts are treating such threats seriously enough.

While Namibian Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo pledged that police would work to keep officials safe, the low bail granted to Vries has left many uneasy.

Acting Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa has urged her team to continue their work with courage but called for stronger security measures.

FREE: Levi Vries emerges from Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court after being granted bail on charges of threatening lawyers and magistrates.PHOTO: Kenya Kambowe