Windhoek resident Jeremia van Wyk, who confessed to abducting and sexually violating a minor in 2019, told the Windhoek High Court that although he intends to plead guilty to charges of rape and abduction with an alternative count of kidnapping, was advised that the services of a legal practitioner will be to his benefit.
He however yesterday asked Judge Christie Liebenberg to provide him with an opportunity to apply for legal aid.
The judge granted his request and postponed the matter to 22 April to afford him the opportunity to apply.
Van Wyk was arrested on 1 August 2019 after he was found in the company of a minor girl, who was reported missing from school.
During his first appearance in the Magistrate’s Court, Van Wyk confessed to the crimes. He informed the court that he picked up the little girl on the date in question around 13h00 from her school in Khomasdal.
The accused further explained that they walked from the victim’s school to Katutura, where he sexually violated the minor. Van Wyk gave graphic and descriptive details of what he did to the minor.
Following the sexual violation, he went to drink with his friends while in the company of the victim. It is his testimony that he was highly intoxicated from the drugs and alcohol he had consumed that day.
He further testified that he only realised what he had done after the effects of the drugs and alcohol started to wear off.
The girl’s picture went viral that day on social media, with a short description that she was missing. A member of the public recognised the minor and reported the matter to the police.
According to the police, Van Wyk was released from a correctional facility nearly three years ago, having served a sentence on charges of rape and murder.
He remains in custody at the Windhoek Correctional Facility’s section for trial awaiting inmates.
Felisitas Sikerete-Vendura is representing the prosecution.
Pic: Jeremia van Wyk
Caption: Jeremia van Wyk
Photo: File