Valombola trial stalled until 2018
The trial of northern businessman Maurus Valombola, who stands accused of the death of Benhard Kalimbo in 2013, has been postponed to early next year.
Valombola (59) on Monday appeared in the Oshakati High Court for the submissions by the State but the matter could not continue as the prosecutor, Lucious Matota, was absent.
Matota is said to be out of the country.
Judge Werner Januarie remanded the matter to 26 January 2018 and Valombola will remain in custody.
He is represented by Pieter Greyling. He is charged with the murder of Kalimbo, who died on 7 February 2013, from injuries sustained when he was assaulted and run over by a car.
The incident took place in the Okeeke area of the Anamulenge constituency in the Omusati Region.
In July, Valombola told the court he had no motive to kill Kalimbo. Therefore he should not be blamed for the murder.
During cross-examination by Matota, Valombola said it was possible that he was being framed by someone else and that witnesses were instigated to testify against him.
This came to light after Valombola had disputed the testimonies of several witnesses, including his employees and that of police officers.
Valombola said he was involved in an argument with Kalimbo at his bar, MK Special, on 6 February.
According to witnesses, he hit Kalimbo with a pool cue and fired a shot into the ground.
It was further revealed in court that Valombola's family paid N$50 000 towards Kalimbo's funeral as a way of compensation.
Valombola, however, denied that the money was meant for compensation but was rather a contribution from his siblings and extended family towards the victim's funeral costs.
KENYA KAMBOWE
Valombola (59) on Monday appeared in the Oshakati High Court for the submissions by the State but the matter could not continue as the prosecutor, Lucious Matota, was absent.
Matota is said to be out of the country.
Judge Werner Januarie remanded the matter to 26 January 2018 and Valombola will remain in custody.
He is represented by Pieter Greyling. He is charged with the murder of Kalimbo, who died on 7 February 2013, from injuries sustained when he was assaulted and run over by a car.
The incident took place in the Okeeke area of the Anamulenge constituency in the Omusati Region.
In July, Valombola told the court he had no motive to kill Kalimbo. Therefore he should not be blamed for the murder.
During cross-examination by Matota, Valombola said it was possible that he was being framed by someone else and that witnesses were instigated to testify against him.
This came to light after Valombola had disputed the testimonies of several witnesses, including his employees and that of police officers.
Valombola said he was involved in an argument with Kalimbo at his bar, MK Special, on 6 February.
According to witnesses, he hit Kalimbo with a pool cue and fired a shot into the ground.
It was further revealed in court that Valombola's family paid N$50 000 towards Kalimbo's funeral as a way of compensation.
Valombola, however, denied that the money was meant for compensation but was rather a contribution from his siblings and extended family towards the victim's funeral costs.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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