2016-02-19Staff Report 2 Keetmanshoop Four men appeared in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with a robbery at farm Muller Rus in the Aroab area on Monday. Tutu Komako, 54, John van Wyk, 42, Simon Mokatu, 64, and Immanuel Mokatu, 36, appeared before magistrate Murray Shikongo facing charges of robbery, kidnapping, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, theft of a vehicle and possession of ammunition. It is alleged the suspects went to farm Muller Rus and tied up the 75-year-old farmer Percival Willem Barnard with a rope. They then fled with ammunition and N$16 110 in cash. The suspects used the farmer’s Mazda pick-up as a getaway vehicle from the farm to their white Mercedes Benz that was parked about three kilometers from the farm. They abandoned the pick-up behind the dunes and fled in their car heading into the direction of Koës. But the police caught up with them about 30 kilometers from Koës. The cash and other items were recovered. After hearing their legal rights, three of the accused opted to apply for legal aid, while Van Wyk indicated he would enlist a private lawyer. Although the State opposed bail citing the serious nature of the case and fear of their absconding, and argued that it will not be in the interest of the administration of justice, all four accused stated they wished to make a formal bail application. The case was remanded to February 25 for a formal bail application hearing and to April 4 for further police investigations. 2016-02-19Staff Report 2
