Families of murder-accused pastors seek police protection
13 September 2021 | Justice
Kenya Kambowe
KAHENGE
Relatives of the two self-proclaimed pastors who are in police custody after allegedly causing the deaths of three people last Tuesday have approached the Kavango West police for protection. They said they fear that the victims’ families will seek retribution for what happened.
This was confirmed by Kavango West police regional commander, Commissioner Josephat Abel, at a press conference on Friday in Nkurenkuru.
“I heard that the families of the accused persons came to the police station for protection. They are afraid because there is a threat from the side of the families of the deceased persons wanting compensation. The family indicated that they wanted to be taken somewhere safe,” Abel said.
He cautioned that “whoever attempts to intimidate or threaten the family of the accused will be dealt with by the law”.
Elia Ihemba (36) and Engelberth Hamutenya (25) appeared at the Kahenge Periodic Court on Friday facing three counts of murder read with culpable homicide, and a fourth charge of attempted murder.
The two self-proclaimed pastors of the Jesus Victory Church at Mutengo village were incarcerated after they allegedly gave four members of their church a concoction comprising of methylated spirits, vinegar, salt and olive oil, which is administered via a pipe put into the victims’ rectums.
Bail denied
During their short court appearance, Magistrate Barry Mufana remanded the matter to 12 January 2022 for the accused to acquire legal representation and for further investigation.
Bail was denied on the basis that the case is serious and it would not be in the interest of the administration of justice as well as public interest.
Godfrey Shivolo was the state prosecutor.
The deceased are Ntamba Evaristus Ndumba (37), Nangombe Robertha Ndumba (45) and Kapango Hilka Simbaranda (21).
Rosa Ndumba (39) - who also received the concoction- has been in hospital since Tuesday evening.
[email protected]
KAHENGE
Relatives of the two self-proclaimed pastors who are in police custody after allegedly causing the deaths of three people last Tuesday have approached the Kavango West police for protection. They said they fear that the victims’ families will seek retribution for what happened.
This was confirmed by Kavango West police regional commander, Commissioner Josephat Abel, at a press conference on Friday in Nkurenkuru.
“I heard that the families of the accused persons came to the police station for protection. They are afraid because there is a threat from the side of the families of the deceased persons wanting compensation. The family indicated that they wanted to be taken somewhere safe,” Abel said.
He cautioned that “whoever attempts to intimidate or threaten the family of the accused will be dealt with by the law”.
Elia Ihemba (36) and Engelberth Hamutenya (25) appeared at the Kahenge Periodic Court on Friday facing three counts of murder read with culpable homicide, and a fourth charge of attempted murder.
The two self-proclaimed pastors of the Jesus Victory Church at Mutengo village were incarcerated after they allegedly gave four members of their church a concoction comprising of methylated spirits, vinegar, salt and olive oil, which is administered via a pipe put into the victims’ rectums.
Bail denied
During their short court appearance, Magistrate Barry Mufana remanded the matter to 12 January 2022 for the accused to acquire legal representation and for further investigation.
Bail was denied on the basis that the case is serious and it would not be in the interest of the administration of justice as well as public interest.
Godfrey Shivolo was the state prosecutor.
The deceased are Ntamba Evaristus Ndumba (37), Nangombe Robertha Ndumba (45) and Kapango Hilka Simbaranda (21).
Rosa Ndumba (39) - who also received the concoction- has been in hospital since Tuesday evening.
[email protected]
Classifieds