Nuusita Ashipala

The Omusati police are investigating a case of murder and suicide after a 34-year-old man took his own life after killing his girlfriend on Sunday at Uukuvu village in the Okahao constituency. 

The man allegedly assaulted the girlfriend with an axe handle before stabbing her twice in the neck with a knife. Omusati police chief Titus Shikongo said the two were allegedly involved in an argument.

 “It is alleged that the boyfriend and girlfriend got home from nearby cuca shops. They then got involved in an argument, which led to the boyfriend beating the girlfriend with an axe handle.  The boyfriend then stabbed her twice in the neck with an Okapi knife and the lady died as a result,” said Shikongo. 

The man went further to commit suicide by hanging himself with a rope in their bedroom. A child who was going to school discovered their remains on Monday morning. 

The woman was identified as Ndinelago Erich Shoopala (32) and the man Silas Muya (34). Their next of kin have been informed. The Omusati police also arrested a 32-year-old suspect for contravening the Animal Health Act after he was allegedly found in possession of 12 head of cattle he is suspected to have smuggled into Namibia from Angola. The herd is valued at N$100 000. 

According to the region’s crime investigations coordinator, Moses Simaho, one animal tested positive for lung disease. “One of the cattle was tested by the veterinary officials for any contagious disease and the result came out positive for lung disease. The cattle were disposed of immediately,” said Simaho. 

The animals are kept in the custody of the suspect’s father, under the surveillance of the Omusati veterinary chief technician for further handling. The suspect is expected to appear in the Outapi Magistrate’s Court today. - nashipala@nepc.com.na