Murder-accused father disputes flight risk claims

Joseph Martin 'Namcash' Nghishihange, who faces charges of murder and child abuse of his daughter, remains in custody after the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court postponed his bail application to late November.Magistrate Nelao ya France postponed the hearing to 24 and 25 November.During cross-examination last Thursday, 22 October, prosecutors argued that the accused posed a flight risk if released on bail.The State alleged that police had struggled to locate Nghishihange following his daughter’s death and eventually apprehended him with assistance from his parents.Prosecutors, referring to a statement attributed to his mother, put it to him that his daughter died on 24 February and that he could not be found until 27 February.Nghishihange disputed that account, telling the court he had taken his daughter to hospital, dealt with documentation relating to her death and participated in funeral arrangements.“There was no operation set because I was not hiding. I was in communication with my parents and the mother of the deceased. Everyone knew where I was,” he testified.He said police had called him and instructed him to report to the Oshakati Police Station without explaining why. While preparing to go, he said, his father asked him to wait so they could go together.According to Nghishihange, he arranged to meet his father at a Shell service station, where he found him accompanied by four police officers in plain clothes who arrested him.'Strong ties'The State also questioned whether Nghishihange had sufficiently strong residential and property ties to ensure he would stand trial.Nghishihange testified that he previously rented accommodation in Ongwediva and could stay at family homes if released.He also claimed to own two residential plots but acknowledged that he had not submitted supporting documents to the court.“I do have strong ties. I am a Namibian and I am from Namibia. I do not have anywhere to go. I do not have family overseas,” he said.Nghishihange said he could provide the documents and was willing to surrender his passport and report to a police station as conditions of bail.The State also argued that his release would undermine public confidence in the administration of justice, citing the seriousness of the charges and alleged public outcry.His lawyer, Tungouwa Ndatewapo for Jacobs Amupolo Lawyers &amp; Conveyancers, challenged several questions during cross-examination, including the basis for the State’s claims about public outcry.

Murder-accused father disputes flight risk claims

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-26

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Murder-accused father disputes flight risk claims

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-26

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