Shocking twist in church death

Murder charges against four suspects, who were arrested in June for allegedly beating a 28-year-old man to death in a church, have been reduced to assault, after a post-mortem could not determine the cause of death.This shocking development led to Matias Nakale and Petrus Weyulu Mweendobe, both aged 21, and two 17-year-olds being released on bail of N$4 000 each.Titus Kaluvi was attacked in the Anglican Church at Odibo in Ohangwena on 9 June.He was declared dead on arrival at St Mary's Hospital, situated a few metres from the church.The four suspects were initially charged with murder, but Namibian Sun has learnt the death certificate, following a post-mortem, indicates the cause of death as “undetermined”.After the charges were reduced from murder to assault, the four suspects applied for bail and were released by the Ohangwena Magistrate's Court.The family of the victim, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspects assaulted Kaluvi in the presence of many witnesses, and they do not understand why the cause of death could not be determined.At the time of the incident, Ohangwena police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Abner Itumba, told Namibian Sun the four suspects entered the Anglican Church at around 00:45, while the Student Christian Movement (SCM) was having a social evening.Itumba said Kaluvi has asked them to remove their caps. The suspects then decided to leave.While they were exiting, Kaluvi attempted to close the church door and they attacked him.A family member said this week there is no proof that the victim was suffering from any illness.“It is not fair; the people attacked him in full view of many witnesses are roaming around, as they were granted bail. We want justice for Kaluvi's death. What do they mean by the cause of death is undetermined?”Itumba said if the family is not happy with what is written on the death certificate, they have the right to approach the investigative officer.They will then be directed to the doctor who conducted the post-mortem, if they need clarity.Itumba explained it is rare for a doctor not determine the cause of death, after conducting a post-mortem, but it sometimes happens.He said this does not mean that the investigations have been finalised.“We are still investigating the case, but the four are not being charged with murder. They are facing assault charges,” Itumba added. KENYA KAMBOWE

Shocking twist in church death

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-09

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Shocking twist in church death

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-09

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