A couple accused of killing an engineer in cold blood and robbing him pleaded not guilty to the charges before Windhoek High Court Judge Philanda Christiaan.

Muningandu Kaapama (29) and Jorene Bezuidenhout (28) are charged with murdering NamPower employee Benjamin Silombela at his house in the Eros suburb. They are facing charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. Meanwhile, Hambeleleni Nyeemwatya, a witness, yesterday testified seeing Kaapama driving the vehicle of the deceased. According to her, Kaapama asked for directions but could not specifically make out what was said. She continues her testimony under cross-examination. 

The State is alleging that they murdered Silombela (41) on 24 May 2023, robbed him by stealing items including a television, and stole his Mercedes-Benz.

Their Legal Aid-instructed lawyer, Mbanga Siyomunji, informed the judge that the pleas are in accordance with his instructions. 

They will not provide a plea explanation but will make use of their right to remain silent and not disclose the basis of their plea. 

His clients put the onus on the State to prove each allegation against them. 

State Advocate Anna Amukugo accepted the pleas of not guilty and called the photographer who took photos of the scene. Inspector Rauna Nelenge explained the photographs she took at the scene, including photos of the deceased.

During their bail hearing last year, Detective Inspector Joseph Ndokosho, the investigating officer, informed the court that Silombela was found tied up and gagged on the floor in his house after his car had been found abandoned at Okahandja. Ndokosho said Silombela was found covered with a duvet. His hands were tied behind his back, his legs were bound, and his mouth was gagged.

He had died due to suffocation, Ndokosho said. In affidavits provided to the magistrate during their bail application, Kaapama and Bezuidenhout claimed that they partook in drugs with the deceased when he made sexual advances towards Bezuidenhout, which she rebuffed. They claim a scuffle then ensued between them and the deceased, but that they left him alive when they left his house.

Ndokosho told the magistrate that cellphone contact between Silombela and Bezuidenhout led him to Bezuidenhout’s home in the Okahandja Park area of Windhoek.

In her house, three bank cards, clothing, a television remote control, and house keys belonging to Silombela were found, he said.

Silombela’s cellphone was found with Kaapama’s father, who told the police Kaapama had brought the phone to his house, Ndokosho testified. –rrouth@nepc.com.na