Alleged beach passion killer in court

The 29-year-old man accused of killing his girlfriend following an argument at Independence beach, as they sat in a vehicle, has appeared in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court. Magistrate Vicky Nicolaidis postponed the murder case of Jomo Petrus, 29, until February 26. He is accused of killing his girlfriend Louise Roxy Alupe, 24, on November 10 last year. Prosecutor Faith Nyaungwa informed Nicolaidis that investigations into the murder have not yet been finalised, and the evidence of four witnesses were outstanding. Alupe died instantly at Independence Beach in Kuisebmond after she was shot in the head. The charge sheet indicates that Petrus allegedly fired two shots. According to the deceased’s sister Eivy, she was killed because she wanted to end their abusive relationship. The couple was seated in a parked bakkie on the beach, when Petrus allegedly opened fire. He then allegedly attempted to commit suicide by shooting himself, but the gun jammed. Thereafter he allegedly attempted to cut his wrists. The accused was rushed to Walvis Bay Hospital, after he recuperated, he was transferred to the police holding cells under heavy police guard on November 11 last year. He was charged with murder and an alternate count of contravening the Arms and Ammunition Act, for being in possession of a firearm without a licence. WALVIS BAY OTIS FINCK