Trafficking accused refused bail again

Three men accused of kidnapping and human trafficking were on Tuesday denied bail during their second appearance in the Opuwo Magistrate's Court, where the community demonstrated and petitioned against their release.

Dirk Rinovita, 39; Ngombe Tjambiru, 27; and Tjiposa Tjikundi, age unknown, were arrested on 11 May in connection with a baby girl who was allegedly stolen from her mother on the night of 6 May at Epupa village in Kunene Region.

It is alleged that Rinovita told Tjambiru and Tjikundi about his plan to steal the baby and hand her over to a certain white man.

Magistrate Leena Iyambo postponed the case to 28 July for further investigation.

Iyambo also denied them bail when they first appeared in court on 15 May.

The baby's Angolan mother, 20-year-old Ndjinaveva Kauyekua, was visiting relatives in the village at the time of the incident.

She was reportedly sleeping outdoors that night and did not find the baby next to her when she woke up to feed her.

Deputy Commissioner Rudolf Kanyetu said the baby is still missing and that Kauyekua has not returned to Angola and is still at Epupa.

Kanyetu said no further arrests have been made and police investigations continue.

State Prosecutor Oberth Masendeke represented the state in this case.



NAMPA