Murder accused British farmer and businessman, Harvey Boulter has asked the prosecutor general (PG) to reconsider the charges he is facing in the High Court.

Boulter’s lawyer Sisa Namandje yesterday informed the court they have petitioned PG Martha Imalwa to reconsider her April decision to arraign the 54-year-old Briton on charges of murder, possession of a firearm, and ammunition without a licence, and handling a firearm while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.

He is accused of murdering his farm manager Gerhard van Wyk at his multi-million-dollar sprawling property in the Kamanjab area, in February last year.

“After studying the police docket provided to us by the State, we decided to make representations to the PG so she may reconsider the charges against the accused person,” said Namandje.

He added the request is still pending and was forwarded to the PG on Wednesday. 

According to Namandje, the docket is missing statements from the forensic laboratory, which are vital for the case.

In response, prosecutor Antonia Verhoef said the head of the police forensics, Nelius Becker informed her that the testing has not begun as they are waiting on testing chemicals from South Africa.

Boulter, who is currently on N$500 000 bail bond, is accused of shooting and killing Van Wyk on 27 April 2021. Van Wyk was shot in the abdomen and died on his way to the hospital.

It is alleged that the incident occurred after an altercation during a braai at the farm. According to witnesses who testified during the bail hearing, Boulter had been the initial aggressor during the incident. 

The accused allegedly assaulted Van Wyk’s son after he objected to a remark he had made about his wife and that Van Wyk then came to his son’s assistance before the shooting happened. 

However, during the scuffle between Boulter and Van Wyk, a shot went off.

The bullet that injured Van Wyk, also struck Boulter in his left hand.

Boulter has since denied guilt, citing that at the time of the incident, he felt like he was under attack from Van Wyk and his son. He claims the gun went off after Van Wyk grabbed the pistol he was holding against his chest.

Boulter is expected to return to court on 20 October. His bail was extended. 

- mamakali@nepc.com.na