The autopsy report of farmworker Edmund Mutete has ruled out the possibility that his death was murder, culpable homicide or assault.
The 33-year-old’s body was discovered lifeless on 13 February at a rest tree, approximately 50km outside Lüderitz, amid claims he was assaulted to death.
“The body has been found to be in a decomposed stage, while there were no signs of fractures or injuries, thus ruling out the possibility that the deceased could have succumbed after being assaulted,” said crime investigations coordinator for //Kharas, Chrispin Mubebo.
He added that no arrest has been made, and that it will thus be premature at this stage to suspect foul play in this matter as it is now treated as a judicial rather than a murder investigation.
“We (police) are, however, calling on any person who might have information on what might have transpired to come forward and report it accordingly whilst police investigations are continuing in the matter,’’ he stated.
Meanwhile, a group of angry residents took to the streets of Lüderitz earlier this week to protest about the way the deceased has been found, while also demanding the arrest of local businessman Poenie van Zyl, whom they accused of being responsible for the death of Mutete.
In a petition addressed to //Kharas police chief David Indongo, residents pleaded for justice and the arrest of Van Zyl.
“It is with sadness that the community of Lüderitz are mourning together with the parents and the family of Edmund Mutete, who was brutally beaten, which ended in his untimely death on 13 February 2022,’’ the petition read.
The crowd further wanted to know why no suspect has been arrested yet as the accused is allegedly known to the police. !Nami#Nus constituency councillor Susan Ndjaleka also informed this publication that her office is now in the process of soliciting funds to assist the family with funeral arrangements.
“We want to separate the two issues now so that we can lay Mutete to rest as the autopsy has been completed, and furthermore want to give the police ample time to carry on with their investigations in the matter,’’ she said.
sklukowski@nepc.com.na