WINDHOEK – The bail hearing of Johannes Neuaka, who stands accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child will resume today.
Neuaka, 39, a former NDF soldier approached the court with the hopes of being released on bail while awaiting trial. Neuaka faces a charge of murder read with the provisions of Domestic Violence Act for the alleged cold blood murder of his former girlfriend and mother to his child Zya Juliet Shane Rittmann, 25, on January 21.
Neuaka is expected to return to court today for submissions after days of a bail hearing. Neuaka has denied any wrongdoing, when he tendered a no guilty plea when he took the stand to testify in his own defence.
The prosecution alleges Neuaka intentionally killed his girlfriend and mother of his child when he shot her in the head. The tragic incident took place at Rittmann mother’s home on Michael Angelo Street in Damara location, Katutura.
According to Neuaka’s testimony, Rittmann’s death was an ‘accident’.
He explained Rittmann accidentally got shot at the time when he was showing her a gun that he had just picked up from their yard.
“I did not see how the firearm went off. I did not see that I had shot her in the head. I did not see where the bullet had hit. I was not expecting that there was a bullet in the gun chamber,” said Neuaka who pleaded not guilty to the charge.
However, according to the state, a 13-year-old witness saw Neuaka pull out a gun, point it in the deceased head and shooting her moments after he dropped off their son who had spent the night with him.
“I believe I am innocent till proven guilty. I do not believe that a person should be kept in custody just to punish them if they have not yet been convicted, just because it is in the public’s best interest,” said Neuaka.
The prosecution strongly opposes the release of Neuaka on bail on grounds that the offence he is facing is of a serious nature and there is fear that he will abscond and not stand trial. Furthermore, it will not be in the interest of the public nor administration of justice.
“I am a military officer, guided by the principles of the Defence Force. I do not have any reason to abscond because my kids and my interests are here in Namibia,” noted Neuaka.