Windhoek
Chadian-born Adoum Yakhoub, who stands accused of housebreaking and theft, and who allegedly absconded from the Windhoek Police Station in June, is in hospital, his lawyer, Florian Beukes told the Windhoek Magistrate’s court this week.
Prosecutor Ivann Tjizu informed the court that the investigating officer was expected to testify as to why the investigations have not been finalised: “However, in the absence of the accused, we have duly agreed that we will agree on the final date for the Prosecutor General’s decision on how to proceed with the matter.”
Beukes said Yakhoub informed him on Monday via SMS that he has been hospitalised. “He informed me that he would send a certain Mr. Alex with a medical certificate confirming his medical condition.
I have not received the particular document,” Beukes added. He then handed in as an exhibit, a printout of his communication with his client.
Magistrate Ingrid Unengu then granted October 14 as the final remand for the Prosecutor General’s decision. A warrant of arrest for Yakhoub was held over until October 14. New Era reported earlier this week that Yakhoub was still on the loose.
It is understood that Yakhoub was brought in for questioning in connection with a new charge of theft under false pretenses, when he disappeared on June 15. He was not handcuffed and was out on bail at the time, well-placed sources said. He allegedly walked out of the police station when the officers attending to him were not looking.
Yakhoub gained notoriety for allegedly conniving with Windhoek-based lawyer, Vetu Uanivi, and Sergeant Joao Alfonso to have his case docket disappear. He later made an about-turn and reported the two to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in August last year.
The two now face three charges of corruptly receiving gratification from an agent, using an office or position for gratification, and conspiracy to commit an offence. ACC officers nabbed them in a sting operation in August 2014.
Uanivi and Alfonso are suspected of conspiring to have a police criminal docket disappear. The missing docket pertains to the housebreaking and theft case against Yakhoub, who is the main state witness in the matter.
Yakhoub last returned to the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on June 15, the day of his disappearance. He had been out on N$50,000 bail on condition that he reports to the police every weekday between 08h00 and 10h00, as well as between 18h00 and 20h00.
On Tuesday the case against Uanivi and Alfonso was remanded to October 23 for the Prosecutor General’s decision. Magistrate Ruth Herunga presided, while Joseph Andreas is representing the State.