WINDHOEK – The three City Police officers facing a charge of murder for allegedly beating a young man to death will appear in court on May 20, a date that Magistrate Hileni Kavara yesterday offered as final remand date, after the prosecution asked for four months to complete its investigation.
Elia Nakale, Werner Johannes Shikekela and Kleofas Shikalepo Kapalanga assaulted 17-year-old Mandela Ramakhuta, which led to his death in April last year it is alleged. Yesterday prosecutor Verinao Kamahene called investigator, Sergeant Stanley Muvangua, to testify why the police investigation is not complete. Muvangua informed the court that he sent the docket to the office of the Prosecutor General, but it was sent back to him with 25 instructions. He requested four months to complete the investigation. The magistrate agreed to remand the matter to May 20, but said the date would be absolutely final. The three suspects were initially charged with assault, but the charge was changed to murder following Ramakhutla’s death.
The late Ramakhutla was arrested on April 16 last year on suspicion of theft, and was later brutally assaulted by the three officers it is alleged. He died in the Katutura State Hospital. The three accused are free on N$3 000 bail each.
By Tunomukwathi Asino