Artisan granted bail in Grootfontein prosecutor threat case

The Grootfontein Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to one of the three men accused of conspiring to kill a local control prosecutor. 

Daniel Patrick Tsibeb (36) was released last week after a successful bail application, while his father remains behind bars.

He was represented by lawyer Benhard Tjtatjara.

Daniel Tsibeb is the son of Efraim Tsibeb, a former police officer who is the first accused in a chilling case involving alleged death threats against control prosecutor Kristiana Erastus. 

The state alleges the group conspired to harm Erastus, even warning her in writing that she would suffer the same fate as late Ondangwa prosecutor Justine Shiweda, who died earlier this year after a brutal acid attack.

Magistrate Nathan Boyd granted Daniel Tsibeb bail in the amount of N$10 000.

This decision came despite strong opposition from the investigating officer, Inspector Theopoline Mathias. 

The officer argued that the accused lives in the same town as the witnesses and posed a risk of interference. 

She further noted that the community was shocked by the threats, which appeared to be an organized attack on court officials.

However, the court ruled that Daniel had shown strong emotional and occupational ties to Grootfontein. 

As a senior artisan at the local municipality, the court found he was unlikely to flee.

His release comes with strict conditions. Daniel must report to the Grootfontein police station every Friday. 

He is also strictly prohibited from making any contact, direct or indirect, with the complainant or any state witnesses.

Furthermore, he is barred from entering the Grootfontein Magistrate’s court premises unless required for his own court appearances.

While Daniel has secured his temporary freedom, his father, Efraim Tsibeb, remains in custody. 

The former policeman’s own bail application was expected to continue last week with a different legal representative. 

The third accused in the matter, a police officer from Grootfontein identified as Kefas Hoaeb, has not yet formally started his bail application.

The charges against the trio include conspiracy to commit murder, intimidation, and defeating the course of justice. 

The state alleges that between 5 and 9 February, the accused conspired to assault and kill Erastus by writing notes intended to terrorize her.

The matter has been postponed to 30 June for further investigation. 

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