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Murder case referred to High Court

Home Archived Murder case referred to High Court

WINDHOEK – The Prosecutor General’s Office has decided that the matter in which two American nationals who stand accused of murdering a Windhoek resident in 2011 be heard in the High Court.

The accused are Marcus Kevin Thomas and Kevin Townsend and their trial for murder will commence in the Windhoek High Court on November 14.

They face a charge of murdering the 25-year-old Andre Peter Heckmair in Windhoek on January 7, 2011.

In April, both men pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, illegal importation of firearms, defeating or obstructing the course of justice, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Heckmair was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head in a car in Windhoek two years ago.

Vetu Uanivi, of Uanivi Law Chambers represents Townsend. Thomas is still without a lawyer, but he informed the court on Friday that he has consulted defence counsel Richard Metcalfe.

His former lawyer withdrew from the matter in May 2011, and the accused has been without a lawyer ever since.

The two men were remanded in custody, where they have been since 2011.

Magistrate Erich Kesslau presided during Friday’s proceedings.

By Tunomukwathi Asino