By Tunomukwathi Asino
WINDHOEK – Two men who last week allegedly broke into the Indonesian Embassy were denied bail when they made their first appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Festus Massinga, 33, and Festus Lucas, 28, appeared before Magistrate John Sindano.
They each face charges of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft.
The State alleges they stole two laptops, solid gold bars, two digital cameras, two hand cameras and money all valued at N$410 700.
Massinga indicated he would hire a private lawyer while his accomplice Lucas informed the court he would conduct his own defence.
The State represented by Nailele Siyambango opposed to the two men being granted bail, as they may interfere with the ongoing investigation.
The stolen items have not yet been recovered.
The matter was remanded to July 30.
Magistrate Sindano explained to the two accused that they could apply for bail by writing a letter requesting a bail hearing date, with the reasons why they should be released on bail.
On Monday New Era reported that thieves broke into the Indonesian Embassy in Klein Windhoek last Thursday and made off with laptops, new cellphones, a video camera, gold and cash.
The Head of Chancery, Rieza Maulana, was quoted as saying that a review of the surveillance camera footage showed that at midnight at around 00h30 the burglars climbed over the side gate and electric fence to enter the yard of the embassy, which is situated in Nelson Mandela Avenue. They then went to the guard post and tied up the guards.
“They forced entry into the building by cutting the burglar bars. Once inside, they disarmed the alarm, turned off the CCTV, forced open not less than six rooms and stole valuables,” explained Maulana. “Around 03h30 the security guards managed to escape and phoned G4S headquarters,” he added.
He said the police also responded quickly to the embassy’s call.