No bail for soldier accused of killing girlfriend

The soldier accused of killing his girlfriend on Sunday was denied bail in the Katutura Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Johannes Neuaka, 39, made his first appearance before Magistrate Bernardine Kubersky, who postponed the case to 5 March.

Kubersky informed the accused that the State has objected to bail due to the seriousness of the offence and because investigations are still in the preliminary stage.

The prosecution also expressed fear that Neuaka could interfere with investigations and State witnesses, and that granting bail to Neuaka will not be in the interest of justice and society.

The magistrate also told the accused that he can bring a formal bail application before court in the next few days if he wants to be released from custody.

Neuaka is facing charges of murder; possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence; and negligent discharge of a firearm in the death of 25-year-old Zya Juliet Shane Rittmann.

Rittmann was shot in the head and died instantly.

The couple has a three-year-old child.

Neuaka is represented by privately instructed defence lawyer Vetu Uanivi, while public prosecutor Victoria Thompson represented the State.

NAMPA