Ex-governor's attackers charged with murder
Four of the five suspects arrested in connection with an attack on the former governor of the Omusati Region, Leonard Nangolo Mukwiilongo, appeared before the Oshakati Magistrate's Court yesterday.
The courtroom was packed by people who protested against the granting bail to the suspects.
Stefanus Namupala (35), Tomas Amwele (34), Abraham Ashipena (26) and Joram Hafeni (26) appeared before Magistrate Vivian Ndlovu, who informed them that they would be charged with murder.
Mukwiilongo died on 25 May in a northern private hospital where he had spent about a month in critical condition following the attack.
A fifth suspect, Wilhelm Nakale (41), could not be in court yesterday because he is in police custody in Windhoek following his arrest in a different matter, while the sixth suspect is still at large.
The six are accused of attacking the 92-year-old Mukwiilongo on 11 April at his Elim residence. They tortured and assaulted him while demanding from him the keys to his safe.
“Hafeni, you are faced with a direct charge of murder, while accused one, three, four and five, you were charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances, but murder will be added to your charges,” Ndlovu said
Thomas Amwele is represented by a private lawyer, Absalom Shiningayamwe. Stefanus told the court that he would apply for a legal aid lawyer while Shipana chose to make use of a private lawyer.
Prosecutor Chrisna Masule opposed the granting of bail, saying there was a fear that the suspects might commit similar offences if released on bail.
The case was postponed to 20 July for further police investigation and the transfer of Nakale from Windhoek.
Retired Colonel Joel Utoni handed over a petition to the Oshakati Magistrate Court's Surrey Petrus.
“These people are the biggest threat to our communities. Some of them are regular offenders who have been in and out of jails. Please they must not be granted bail to save our communities.
“Many people are losing hope in our justice system because of matters like this. Mukwiilongo was a pensioner who lost his life in a cruel way,” the petition read.
Funeral
The minister of presidential affairs, Frans Kapofi, has confirmed to Namibian Sun that Mukwiilongo will be accorded a state funeral.
Mukwiilongo's son, Tshatipamba, said the family welcomed the offer.
“We are happy with the government's offer looking at what my father has done toward development of this country before and after independence. It is a good recognition for him and as a family we accept it,” Tshatipamba said.
Mukwiilongo will be buried on Saturday at Elim, while a memorial service will be held at his residence at Onatshiku at 14:00 on Friday.
ILENI NANDJATO
The courtroom was packed by people who protested against the granting bail to the suspects.
Stefanus Namupala (35), Tomas Amwele (34), Abraham Ashipena (26) and Joram Hafeni (26) appeared before Magistrate Vivian Ndlovu, who informed them that they would be charged with murder.
Mukwiilongo died on 25 May in a northern private hospital where he had spent about a month in critical condition following the attack.
A fifth suspect, Wilhelm Nakale (41), could not be in court yesterday because he is in police custody in Windhoek following his arrest in a different matter, while the sixth suspect is still at large.
The six are accused of attacking the 92-year-old Mukwiilongo on 11 April at his Elim residence. They tortured and assaulted him while demanding from him the keys to his safe.
“Hafeni, you are faced with a direct charge of murder, while accused one, three, four and five, you were charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances, but murder will be added to your charges,” Ndlovu said
Thomas Amwele is represented by a private lawyer, Absalom Shiningayamwe. Stefanus told the court that he would apply for a legal aid lawyer while Shipana chose to make use of a private lawyer.
Prosecutor Chrisna Masule opposed the granting of bail, saying there was a fear that the suspects might commit similar offences if released on bail.
The case was postponed to 20 July for further police investigation and the transfer of Nakale from Windhoek.
Retired Colonel Joel Utoni handed over a petition to the Oshakati Magistrate Court's Surrey Petrus.
“These people are the biggest threat to our communities. Some of them are regular offenders who have been in and out of jails. Please they must not be granted bail to save our communities.
“Many people are losing hope in our justice system because of matters like this. Mukwiilongo was a pensioner who lost his life in a cruel way,” the petition read.
Funeral
The minister of presidential affairs, Frans Kapofi, has confirmed to Namibian Sun that Mukwiilongo will be accorded a state funeral.
Mukwiilongo's son, Tshatipamba, said the family welcomed the offer.
“We are happy with the government's offer looking at what my father has done toward development of this country before and after independence. It is a good recognition for him and as a family we accept it,” Tshatipamba said.
Mukwiilongo will be buried on Saturday at Elim, while a memorial service will be held at his residence at Onatshiku at 14:00 on Friday.
ILENI NANDJATO
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