Police investigator testifies in NamPower engineer’s murder trial
NamPower engineer Benjamin Silombela (41) was found dead at his Eros home in Windhoek in May 2022
A police investigator from the Namibian Police Serious Crime Unit yesterday told High Court Judge Philanda Christiaan that murder accused Jorene Bezuidenhout (29) mentioned her co-accused, Muningandu Kaapama (28), during questioning about the killing of NamPower engineer Benjamin Silombela (41) at his Eros home in Windhoek in May 2022.
According to Detective Warrant Officer Joseph Sakaria, Bezuidenhout made these remarks after he confronted her with information provided by a friend, “Stacy,” who had informed police that Bezuidenhout and Kaapama had arrived at their home that night with various items, including electronic devices and food. Bezuidenhout reportedly laughed and said, "Okay fine, let me tell you the truth," Sakaria testified.
She allegedly told the detective that on the night of the incident, the trio were out smoking crack cocaine before going to Silombela’s house. "She told me that when they got to the house, Silombela got angry at the two of them for smoking inside. She then went out onto the balcony, leaving Silombela and Kaapama in the house. After a while, she reportedly heard a commotion and Kaapama running toward her, telling her they needed to leave immediately."
Person of interest
She then allegedly went back into the house and found Silombela unresponsive and tied up. The pair are said to have taken electronic devices, Silombela’s NamPower employee card, and his Mercedes-Benz before leaving.
Prior to this version, Bezuidenhout had initially given a different account, the detective testified.
"According to Bezuidenhout, they went to the house in Eros, and somewhere along the line, Silombela reportedly requested oral sex, which she said she did. He then allegedly asked for more, referring to penetrative sex. She said she refused, he kicked her out, and that was the end of it," said Sakaria.
She went on to say: "I left him naked and alive, not lifeless."
Sakaria told the court that Bezuidenhout was first brought in for questioning as a person of interest, not initially as a suspect.
He said he had requested call data records from MTC and discovered that Bezuidenhout and Silombela spoke on the night he died at an unusual hour, which raised concerns.
"Hence, she was brought in for questioning."
Frustrate investigations
Bezuidenhout and Kaapama face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and obstructing or attempting to obstruct the course of justice.
According to the indictment, between 23 and 24 May 2022, the two are accused of unlawfully killing Silombela.
In count two, robbery with aggravating circumstances, they are alleged to have tied him up, gagged him, strangled him, or struck him, before taking his property, including a silver Mercedes-Benz, a Huawei phone, a Sansui TV and remote, and several Standard Bank cards along with a written PIN.
Regarding obstructing the course of justice, the indictment states that the accused allegedly attempted to frustrate investigations by covering Silombela’s body with a blanket or duvet, locking it inside his residence, and taking his house keys and remote control.
They are also accused of abandoning Silombela’s vehicle in a bushy area in Okahandja.
According to Detective Warrant Officer Joseph Sakaria, Bezuidenhout made these remarks after he confronted her with information provided by a friend, “Stacy,” who had informed police that Bezuidenhout and Kaapama had arrived at their home that night with various items, including electronic devices and food. Bezuidenhout reportedly laughed and said, "Okay fine, let me tell you the truth," Sakaria testified.
She allegedly told the detective that on the night of the incident, the trio were out smoking crack cocaine before going to Silombela’s house. "She told me that when they got to the house, Silombela got angry at the two of them for smoking inside. She then went out onto the balcony, leaving Silombela and Kaapama in the house. After a while, she reportedly heard a commotion and Kaapama running toward her, telling her they needed to leave immediately."
Person of interest
She then allegedly went back into the house and found Silombela unresponsive and tied up. The pair are said to have taken electronic devices, Silombela’s NamPower employee card, and his Mercedes-Benz before leaving.
Prior to this version, Bezuidenhout had initially given a different account, the detective testified.
"According to Bezuidenhout, they went to the house in Eros, and somewhere along the line, Silombela reportedly requested oral sex, which she said she did. He then allegedly asked for more, referring to penetrative sex. She said she refused, he kicked her out, and that was the end of it," said Sakaria.
She went on to say: "I left him naked and alive, not lifeless."
Sakaria told the court that Bezuidenhout was first brought in for questioning as a person of interest, not initially as a suspect.
He said he had requested call data records from MTC and discovered that Bezuidenhout and Silombela spoke on the night he died at an unusual hour, which raised concerns.
"Hence, she was brought in for questioning."
Frustrate investigations
Bezuidenhout and Kaapama face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and obstructing or attempting to obstruct the course of justice.
According to the indictment, between 23 and 24 May 2022, the two are accused of unlawfully killing Silombela.
In count two, robbery with aggravating circumstances, they are alleged to have tied him up, gagged him, strangled him, or struck him, before taking his property, including a silver Mercedes-Benz, a Huawei phone, a Sansui TV and remote, and several Standard Bank cards along with a written PIN.
Regarding obstructing the course of justice, the indictment states that the accused allegedly attempted to frustrate investigations by covering Silombela’s body with a blanket or duvet, locking it inside his residence, and taking his house keys and remote control.
They are also accused of abandoning Silombela’s vehicle in a bushy area in Okahandja.
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