WINDHOEK – Another long wait is in store for two men accused of robbing an elderly couple from Uis as well as the rape of the then 69-year-old woman.
Charles Namiseb and Edwin Tourob applied for bail after their trial was postponed to 15 July next year .
Judge Alfred Siboleka who heard the bail hearing however found there is a likelihood they will abscond if granted bail as they could face heavy sentences should they be convicted.
The two face counts of attempted murder, one count of robbery with aggravating circumstances and six counts of rape.
The judge said that in law the court has the discretion to decline bail if in its view bail would not be in the interest of the public or the proper administration of justice.
In the present instance, the judge said, the accused are arraigned on very serious charges against vulnerable and defenceless elderly people.
He said it is further alleged they refused to stop at a police roadblock that resulted in Tourob being shot in the buttocks while attempting to flee from the scene.
Namiseb was cornered while trying to evade arrest in Swakopmund and the police had to break down the door of the shack to apprehend him, Judge Siboleka ruled.