KEETMANSHOOP – Two police officers who stand accused of the murder of Ellestee Plaatjie, were denied bail in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court earlier this week.
They were granted leave to submit formal bail applications before court.
Marthino Olivier, who is representing Bernand Mulisa Mulisa and Willibardt Neshuku, argued that the constitutional right to freedom is one that needs to be heard. He also offered it to the State that bail of N$7 500 for each of the accused should be granted, whilst arrangements should be made for them to be transferred to another duty station.
Opposing bail to the two Special Reserve Force officers, public prosecutor Lewis Chikunwe cited fear that the accused might interfere with the witnesses of whom some are their fellow police officers.
Other reasons to deny bail include that there is a public outcry that bail should not be granted and that it will not be in the interest of the administration of justice. Investigations, which are still at an early stage, might be compromised.
Chikunwe further said there is a likelihood that the accused persons may not stand for trial and bail should be denied in the light of the fact that there is direct evidence that the State has a strong case against the accused that may likely lead to convictions.
At the end of the proceedings, magistrate Erich Dandu, in consultation with both the State and defence counsels, postponed the matter to 13 February 2023 for bail applications.