Nurse’s rape case postponed again

KENYA KAMBOWE

The case against a Rundu state hospital nurse, who was arrested in December last year for allegedly drugging and raping a patient, has been postponed to July as the Rundu Magistrate’s Court awaits laboratory test results.

Shintango Mbambi (35) last week appeared before Magistrate Hellen Olaiya, who postponed the matter to 29 July as the laboratory test results are still outstanding.

Police investigations into the matter continue and Mbambi remains in police custody.

The case stems from an incident on 6 December last year in the hospital's tuberculosis ward, where the complainant was receiving treatment.

It is alleged that Mbambi drugged the complainant before raping her. The complainant then told other hospital staff what had allegedly taken place.

Mbambi was arrested on 14 December 2018, eight days after the alleged rape, following an internal investigation by the hospital management.

A case was opened by the police on behalf of the complainant.

During his first court appearance on 18 December last year, Mbambi was denied bail. He indicated that he would apply for legal aid.

The State opposed bail on the grounds that Mbambi was charged with a serious offence.