Iuze Mukube
The trial of a 48-year-old man, who allegedly murdered his common-law wife after becoming enraged by her snoring, is scheduled to be set down for commencement in March.
The accused, Piet Ritief Damaseb, is expected to appear on 24 March 2026 after his case was postponed last week to the court’s review roll, where a trial date is expected to be set.
Damaseb faces two counts, including murder and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
According to the State, the accused allegedly killed Davie Bokkie Hannes in the Soweto location of Outjo on 12 March 2022.
The State further alleges that at the time of death, the deceased and the accused were in an actual or perceived intimate romantic relationship.
The two lived together at Damaseb’s residence in the Soweto location.
On the day of the incident, the two arrived back home, and the deceased was under the influence of liquor.
It is alleged the accused hit the deceased with an iron bar and other blunt objects on her head and body and kicked her.
The deceased suffered multiple rib fractures, blunt force injuries and a skull fracture.
It is further alleged that the assault was a result of an argument that erupted between the two after the deceased, at the request of the accused, did not stop snoring.
It is alleged he collected a wheelbarrow and transported and dumped the body at her mother’s residence in the 7de Laan location in Outjo.
The accused also allegedly removed or washed off the deceased’s blood from his residence and cleaned the yard and disposed of a red cloth.
He further allegedly made a report to the police and other people that the deceased left his residence prior to her death.
Additionally, he claimed the deceased was stoned to death by Oshiwambo-speaking men and that she was involved in bar fights.