A Windhoek resident arrested for allegedly hitting a 21-year-old man with a brick in Okahandja Park last Thursday was denied bail earlier this week. The suspect has been charged with murder after the victim succumbed to injuries on Friday. Isaack Mangundu was denied bail when he made his first appearance in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court for the murder of Ananias Amutenya. 

During his court appearance before magistrate Johannes Shuuveni, prosecutor Victoria Likius informed the court that the State was against the accused being released on bail. Likius argued the accused is facing a serious charge of murder and investigations into the matter are still at an early stage. 

“There is also fear that the accused will interfere with ongoing police investigations. It would also not be in the interest of justice for the accused to be granted bail,” said Likius. Thus, the court remanded the accused in police custody, postponing the matter to 19 May for him to obtain legal representation. 

According to the deceased’s sister, Hileni Amutenya, the victim was struck in the head by the accused who is the girlfriend’s former boyfriend.  The incident occurred on Thursday night when the deceased was trying to stop the suspect from allegedly assaulting the girlfriend. 
“He was rushed to Katutura hospital the same night because he was in pain and was attended to at the hospital but not admitted. On Friday, late afternoon, the family member took him to the hospital again since the condition started getting worse, upon arrival at the hospital he got booked for an emergency head operation which did not take place because he died in the process the same Friday night,” explained Amutenya. 

She refuted claims her late brother travelled to Windhoek to see the girlfriend. According to the police, the two men were allegedly fighting over a woman which consequently resulted in the deceased being struck with a brick in the head. 
 -mamakali@nepc.com.na