A 31-year-old resident of the DRC settlement in Otjiwarongo pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of murder and defeating or attempting to defeat the course of justice before Windhoek High Court Judge Claudia Claasen.

Lolo Tweumona Kambwela did not give a plea explanation, and opted to remain silent and not divulge the basis of his defence. 

He, however, admitted the identity of the victim, Nghimushima Haufiku, and that they were in an intimate relationship. 

He denied that he caused the victim’s death on 13 February 2022 at DRC location in Otjiwarongo, as well as the allegations in the second charge. 

The State alleges that Kambwela went to the shack of the victim in the evening hours of 13 February 2022, and an argument erupted between them. 

He then stabbed her at least 51 times with a knife, causing her death due to hypovolemic shock because of blood loss caused by the stab wounds to her chest, the State alleges. 

It is further alleged that he then took the knife and a cellphone they used between them. 

He locked the victim’s body inside the shack with a padlock, and threw away the key and the knife to frustrate the police in their investigations. 

He reported himself to the police later that night. 

His Legal Aid-instructed lawyer Kenneth Siambango confirmed that the pleas are in order with his instructions, and informed the judge as such. 

State Advocate Anna Amukugo then entered various documents into evidence before calling her first witness, Sergeant Lee Katjirumbu, who was the scene of crime officer.

 He testified that he was on call that day, and was summoned to the scene by the investigating officer.

 When he arrived at the scene, he found police officers and members of the public. 

He was shown to the shack where the alleged incident occurred. 

When he entered the shack, he saw a lady lying on her back under the bed, with her feet sticking out. 

He also observed blood-stains on the bed and floor. 

After he took some pictures, he asked another officer to help him move the bed so he could examine it. 

He observed several stab wounds to the victim’s left neck and chest. 

Katjirumbu told the court that he compiled a photo and sketch plan of the scene, which was handed in as evidence. 

The matter continues today. 

 Kambwela remains in custody.

-rrouth@nepc.com.na