WINDHOEK – Three City Police officers yesterday appeared in court on a charge of causing the death of a teenager who allegedly died from the injuries he sustained in a police beating he received in April.
The suspects, whose brutality sparked a firestorm of criticism against police savagery, made their second appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court. The suspects Werner Johannes Shekekela, Kleopas Shikalepo Kapalanga and Elia Nakale appeared before Magistrate Hileni Kavara facing a charge of murder.
Prosecutor George Mahoney informed the court that the investigations were not complete because there are still some statements to be obtained. He added that the matter was quite complex and “hence we need time for investigations”. The public prosecutor requested the matter be remanded to October 09, which Magistrate Kavara granted. The three accused are out on bail that was also extended to the next court date.
The three allegedly beat up 17-year-old Mandela Ramakhutla in April this year during his arrest, and he later died in the Katutura State Hospital from the injuries sustained.
Initially the three had faced a charge of assault, but after Ramakhutla died in hospital, Khomas Regional Crime Investigations Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Sylvanus Ngishindimbwa said the charge of assault against the three officers was changed to one of murder.
Orben Sibeya represents the three accused City Police officers.
By Tunomukwathi Asino