Prosecutor Sylvia Kauluma on Friday strenuously objected to bail being granted to businessman-turned-activist-turned-politician Michael Amushelelo and three of his co-accused after his latest arrest.
He was arrested on Wednesday together with Immanuel Mbonda, Alfred Sabas and Padelia Hamukwaya during a protest by cleaners at the City of Windhoek over better working conditions. They are facing charges of committing acts or conduct which constitute an incitement to public violence and attempts, conspiracy and inducing other persons to commit offences under the Riotous Assemblies Act 17 of 1956 as amended.
Kauluma informed magistrate Nembia Kandiwapa that investigations are incomplete and the State needs a postponement for further investigations. She said there is still a photo plan outstanding as well as a statement from the complainant.
Furthermore, she said, they are also in the process of obtaining two witness statements.
However, Kauluma said the remand can be made a final one. Amushelelo and his co-accused all opted for private legal representation. They will be represented by Samuel Kadhila from the Kadhila Amoomo stable.
Kadhila informed the State that they will bring a formal bail application on Wednesday this week. With regard to Amushelelo, the prosecution said he is facing similar charges in Walvis Bay where he was involved in a protest against Shoprite and one of his bail conditions was that he should not be charged with a similar offence.
She further said that the State opposes bail on the grounds that Amushelelo has a propensity to commit further offences and that it is not in the interest of the administration of justice or public to grant the accused person’s bail. The magistrate postponed the matter to 3 April for a final remand and further investigations.
The accused persons will remain in custody at the Otjomuise police station.
The City’s cleaners, formerly known as ward contractors, staged a peaceful protest outside the magistrate’s court on Friday while waiting on the outcome of the court hearing.