Police forget about court date
30 April 2019 | Justice
The case against a Rundu state hospital nurse, who was arrested in December last year for allegedly drugging and raping a patient, has been postponed to next month.
Shintango Mbambi (35), who is in police custody, did not turn up for his scheduled hearing before the Rundu Magistrate's Court last Thursday, and Magistrate Sonia Samupofu had to postpone the matter to 23 May.
The regional police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Melanie Mburu, explained why Mbambi was not present on Thursday.
She said officers at the Ndiyona police station were so preoccupied with cases before the Ndiyona Periodic Court that they forgot to transport Mbambi to Rundu on time.
After consulting with the prosecutor handling the case, they agreed that the matter be postponed to 23 May.
Mbambi last appeared in the Rundu Magistrate's Court on 26 February and the matter was postponed 25 April in order for him to secure legal representation.
The case stems from an incident on 6 December last year in the state hospital's tuberculosis ward, where the complainant was receiving treatment.
The complainant told other hospital staff what had allegedly taken place.
Mbambi was arrested on 14 December 2018, eight days after the alleged rape, following an internal investigation by the hospital's management.
A case was opened by the police on behalf of the complainant.
During his first court appearance on 18 December last year, Mbambi was denied bail. He indicated that he would apply for legal aid.
The State opposed bail on the grounds that Mbambi was charged with a serious offence.
KENYA KAMBOWE
Shintango Mbambi (35), who is in police custody, did not turn up for his scheduled hearing before the Rundu Magistrate's Court last Thursday, and Magistrate Sonia Samupofu had to postpone the matter to 23 May.
The regional police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Melanie Mburu, explained why Mbambi was not present on Thursday.
She said officers at the Ndiyona police station were so preoccupied with cases before the Ndiyona Periodic Court that they forgot to transport Mbambi to Rundu on time.
After consulting with the prosecutor handling the case, they agreed that the matter be postponed to 23 May.
Mbambi last appeared in the Rundu Magistrate's Court on 26 February and the matter was postponed 25 April in order for him to secure legal representation.
The case stems from an incident on 6 December last year in the state hospital's tuberculosis ward, where the complainant was receiving treatment.
The complainant told other hospital staff what had allegedly taken place.
Mbambi was arrested on 14 December 2018, eight days after the alleged rape, following an internal investigation by the hospital's management.
A case was opened by the police on behalf of the complainant.
During his first court appearance on 18 December last year, Mbambi was denied bail. He indicated that he would apply for legal aid.
The State opposed bail on the grounds that Mbambi was charged with a serious offence.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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