RUNDU – A Namibian Defence Force soldier who faces a charge of murder after he shot to death a suspected burglar was on Monday released on bail of N$2 000.
NDF soldier Stefanus Tadeus Ngoimwe, 52, appeared in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
He was released on condition he does not interfere with investigations, avoids contact with state witnesses and that he maintain good behaviour while out on bail.
The accused is expected to make his second court appearance on September 23.
It is alleged Ngoimwe shot and killed a man who police said attempted to burgle an NDF canteen at Sikanduko village near Rundu on Saturday morning.
Ngoimwe allegedly heard noises in the canteen while he was sleeping in his room. When he jumped up he saw two burglars run away whereafter Ngoimwe shot one of the suspects with his 9mm pistol.
Eugen Mukoya, 18, was pronounced dead about 500 metres from the canteen after he was shot in the buttocks while fleeing, though the second suspect bolted from the scene.
Ngoimwe resides behind the NDF drinking hole.
The deceased seemed to be no stranger to breaking the law, as he had four pending housebreaking cases against his name.
NamPol’s Regional Crime Investigations Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Willie Bampton told New Era that the deceased died as a result of excessive loss of blood.
Police said the incident occurred early in the morning at around 01h00 on Saturday.
The deputy commissioner said the pistol used in the fatal shooting is licensed.
By Mathias Haufiku