Two Windhoek residents, who were arrested in connection to the lifeless body of a 22-year-old that was discovered in freezer at Herero Mall in Katutura, have denied any wrongdoing. 

Malakia Mateus (22) and Amos Israel (35) pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder and attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice.

The pair did not furnish any explanation when they tendered their preliminary plea before Katutura Magistrate Venatius Alweendo. 

Through their lawyer Enos Mwakondange, they will leave it up to the State to prove the allegations it has levelled against them.

The court postponed the matter to 20 July for the prosecutor general to decide whether or not she will prosecute the accused and on what charges.

Mateus and Israel were arrested on 4 November 2021 following the discovery of the remains of Levi Kondjeni Mutundu Paulus in an unplugged freezer.

According to a police crime report, the victim was last seen two days before the grim discovery. 

The police said Paulus, who is suspected to be an Angolan national, conducted business at Herero Mall. 

He was last seen alive on 29 October 2021.  His body was discovered on 31 October 2021 after a reek prompted the family to enter the bar, where they found his already decomposing body “inside a closed refrigerator”.

The police suspect Paulus was assaulted because his body was brutally bruised, and there were some signs of scuffles inside the room.

The duo is still in police custody after being denied bail, following the state’s strong objection. 

According to the State, the pair face serious charges; there is a fear they might abscond before they stand trial, and investigations are still ongoing.

 Furthermore, it would not be in the interest of the public or administration of justice to release Mateus and his co-accused Israel on bail.

They remain incarcerated at the Otjomuise police station.

- mamakali@nepc.com.na