RUNDU – The Rundu Magistrate’s Court yesterday granted bail to a man who was in custody for the death of his wife, whose throat he allegedly slit with a knife.
The alleged murder in which Buta Epampa (35) is the suspect took place in August this year. When police arrived at the scene of the crime, they found a kitchen knife stained with blood, which is believed to be the murder weapon. The couple have one-year-old twin boys who were at home at the time of the alleged murder. According to court documents, the couple had a history of domestic violence since they were married in 2009. Magistrate Esme Molefe granted bail of N$5 000 to Epampa and postponed the case to February 27, 2014 pending a decision by the Prosecutor General. Epamba pleaded not guilty during his third appearance yesterday. He was released on condition that he reports at the Rundu Police Station every Monday and Friday between 08h00 and 17h00, he informs the investigator when leaving the Rundu district and that he does not commit any offence while he is out on bail.
He is represented by a private lawyer from Strauss Attorneys, Petrus Strauss. When asked about the safety of his client while out on bail, Strauss said: “There are many people out there who are in the same situation, so why should he be singled out.” Considering the gruesome nature of the murder, there is a likelihood that the accused could be arraigned in the High Court in Windhoek should the prosecution decide on a sentence exceeding 25 years, since magistrate’s courts are not mandated to impose sentences exceeding 25 years. The accused is due to appear in court later this month to face a separate case of domestic violence.
By Mathias Haufiku