Katutura Magistrate’s Court gave a final remand for the police to conclude their investigations into the case of a man, accused of allegedly having killed and burned his live-in girlfriend in Katutura last year.
Simon Amana Sheefeni (35) appeared before Magistrate Vanessa Stanley and was informed investigations into his case have not yet been finalised.
State prosecutor Victoria Likius informed the court that although the State has made progress investigating the matter, they have not yet obtained the victim’s death certificate, laboratory results and five witness statements.
Sheefeni, who appeared without any legal representation, was advised to apply for a lawyer with the Directorate of Legal Aid. According to the court, Sheefeni faces serious charges and would need the guidance of a legal practitioner.
Magistrate Stanley gave a final remand for police investigations and legal aid, postponing the matter to 29 September. Sheefeni was remanded in police custody until his scheduled appearance in court.
Sheefeni has been in police custody since his arrest on 23 September 2019. Sheefeni was arrested on a charge of murder read with the provisions of domestic violence, arson and defeating the course of justice.
All charges emanate from the gruesome death of Katrina Kasita (38), who died on 21 September 2019 at Namibia Nalitungwe informal settlement, Windhoek.
The victim, a mother of six, was allegedly assaulted and killed before her body was set alight by boyfriend Sheefeni, who then fled the scene afterwards.
It is suspected Sheefeni covered Kasita with blankets, poured paraffin on her body, and set her alight in her corrugated iron home. It is alleged the suspect had attempted to burn Kasita before a fight but he failed to do so.
It is alleged the couple was in a tumultuous relationship, marred with violence. During the commission of the alleged crimes, Sheefeni sustained injuries from the fire. The Namibian police at the time confirmed Sheefeni sustained burnt wounds on his face and other parts of his body. He was hospitalised at Katutura hospital under police guard.
Sheefeni was found in Northern Industrial Area after hiding and sleeping under a bridge near NamPower, according to police. The police further added the accused suffered from fatigue from where he was hiding. He approached people at a service station in the area and asked them to pray for him.
The people allegedly alerted the police after they saw he had fire wounds and with the awareness that a suspect was being sought by the police following the tragic incident.
The court refused to release Sheefeni on bail, saying he is a flight risk and it would not be in the interest of the public nor administration of justice.
– mamakali@nepc.com.na