Massacre suspect sent for evaluation
A Rundu man charged with killing five members of his family has been sent for psychiatric evaluation.
A man charged with five counts of murder for allegedly killing his grandmother, mother and three nephews at Rundu's Ndama location in July made his second court appearance yesterday.
Jesaya Gabriel Chuhunda (20) appeared before Magistrate Sonia Samupofu in the Rundu magistrate's court.
The case was postponed to 23 November for further police investigation and for Chuhunda to apply for legal aid and undergo psychiatric evaluation.
Chuhunda remains in police custody. He was arrested on 1 July after allegedly killing his grandmother, Ndongo Ntumba (77), his mother, Ndara Elizabeth Mpande (46), and his three nephews, Musenge Petrus Muruti (6), Hausiku Daniel Kapumburu (4) and Musenge Elias Tjingelesu (3).
According to the police, Chuhunda went berserk when his sister refused to give him money.
“The motive behind the suspect's actions is allegedly that he demanded to be given money earlier during the day. However, the money was not given to him and as a result he assaulted the sister. The sister went to report the matter to the police and that agitated the suspect, who then assaulted his family, killing them instantly with a stick,” the crime report read.
It is further alleged that Chuhunda is a drug user and could be mentally challenged.
On 23 July, the police chief, Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga, confirmed that an investigation into possible police negligence in the case was nearing completion. He said “five or six officers” would likely be charged with negligence.
There was a public outcry after allegations were made on social media that Chuhunda's sister had called the police shortly before the mass murder but that they did not respond as there was no transport available.
KENYA KAMBOWE
Jesaya Gabriel Chuhunda (20) appeared before Magistrate Sonia Samupofu in the Rundu magistrate's court.
The case was postponed to 23 November for further police investigation and for Chuhunda to apply for legal aid and undergo psychiatric evaluation.
Chuhunda remains in police custody. He was arrested on 1 July after allegedly killing his grandmother, Ndongo Ntumba (77), his mother, Ndara Elizabeth Mpande (46), and his three nephews, Musenge Petrus Muruti (6), Hausiku Daniel Kapumburu (4) and Musenge Elias Tjingelesu (3).
According to the police, Chuhunda went berserk when his sister refused to give him money.
“The motive behind the suspect's actions is allegedly that he demanded to be given money earlier during the day. However, the money was not given to him and as a result he assaulted the sister. The sister went to report the matter to the police and that agitated the suspect, who then assaulted his family, killing them instantly with a stick,” the crime report read.
It is further alleged that Chuhunda is a drug user and could be mentally challenged.
On 23 July, the police chief, Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga, confirmed that an investigation into possible police negligence in the case was nearing completion. He said “five or six officers” would likely be charged with negligence.
There was a public outcry after allegations were made on social media that Chuhunda's sister had called the police shortly before the mass murder but that they did not respond as there was no transport available.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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