RUNDU – A man who faces a charge of murder after he allegedly killed his wife in Rundu last Wednesday following a domestic dispute on Monday morning appeared in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court charged with the murder of his wife.

Buta Epampa (38) made his first court appearance before Magistrate Esme Molefe.

When asked whether he wished to conduct his own defence or make use of a state lawyer, Epampa told the court that he would use a private lawyer from Strauss Attorneys, Petrus Strauss. Molefe postponed the case to October 29 2013 for further police investigation and to allow the accused time to engage the lawyer.

Epampa appeared rather relaxed as he stepped into the dock. The bruise on his neck as a result of his failed suicide attempt was still visible. The courtroom was surprisingly relatively empty during his appearance as many people were not aware of the routine court date. There was also talk of a planned demonstration by community members to oppose any bail for the accused, but no such action took place.

The accused is charged with killing his wife, Isabella Eixas-Epampa, by beating her and slitting her throat around 10h00 last Wednesday. When police arrived at the scene of the crime, they found a kitchen knife stained with blood. The couple has twin boys aged one year who were at home at the time of the killing.

According to information provided to New Era, there is a history of domestic violence between the couple since their marriage in 2009. The accused was due in court later this month to face a separate case of domestic violence.

By Mathias Haufiku