WALVIS BAY – A Walvis Bay fisherman, who is accused of stabbing to death his housemate and injuring a second woman, made his first appearance on Tuesday afternoon in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court.
The sombre-looking Ruben Montgomery (57) faces murder and attempted murder charges for allegedly killing Maria van Zyl as well as attacking his sister-in-law at her house.
Police, on Monday, indicated that an argument ensued between the trio, as a result, Montgomery was told to pack his belongings and leave the house they all shared.
He allegedly became agitated and viciously attacked the woman with a sharp object. According to Erongo Police spokesperson Ileni Shapumba, the suspect allegedly left and the two women managed to lock themselves inside the house.
“The suspect, however, returned with the sharp object hidden under his clothes and broke the locked door to gain entry,” Shapumba said on Monday. The suspect once again attacked the two women.
“He stabbed his sister-in-law (his late brother’s wife) on her right forearm and the now-deceased woman in the chest and the hand when she tried to push him out of the room,” Shapumba explained.
He said Van Zyl succumbed to her injuries at the scene while the second victim was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
Traces of the vicious attack were visible on his bruised knuckles as he was fumbling with his hands during the court proceedings. Prosecutor Maggi Shiyagaya-Lotto during his appearance told the court that they will be opposing bail at this stage.
“We fear that the suspect will interfere with the ongoing investigation and due to the seriousness of the case,” Shiyagaya-Lotto explained.
She added that it will also not be in the interest of the public if Montgomery is granted bail.
Magistrate John Sindano then told Montgomery that he can formally apply for bail as well as legal aid if he cannot afford a private lawyer.
“Your case is then postponed to 13 April for further investigation,” Sindano said.