WINDHOEK - The bail hearing of Erastus Heita, a Windhoek resident accused of gunning down the mother of his children and girlfriend in Otjomuise last year has been postponed.

Heita, 41, approached the court with the hope that he can convince the court that he is worthy of being released on bail while awaiting trial. Heita has been in custody since his arrest in October 2017, for allegedly shooting his long-term live-in girlfriend Maria Megameno Kamati, 29. Kamati was shot in the head at the couple’s rented flat in Otjomuise, Windhoek on October 2.

The State still stood its grounds on objecting bail.
According to the State, Heita faces a serious offence and if convicted he is likely to face a lengthy jail sentence. Furthermore, it will not be in the interest of the public nor administration of justice if Heita is released on bail.

The court could not proceed with the bail hearing as scheduled during the previous court proceedings due to the unavailability of magistrates at Katutura court.

According to State prosecutor Idda Itembu, the majority of the magistrates are attending the ongoing Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) training.
Heita faces a charge of murder read with the Provisions of Domestic Violence for what the prosecution deems as unlawful and intentional killing.

According to police reports at the time, the mother of two was shot in the head with a 9mm Makarov pistol. The report further indicates after the fatal shooting, Heita drove himself to the police to report the incident. However, he got involved in a car crash which resulted in him taking a taxi to finally reach the Windhoek police station. The two had allegedly been in a relationship for nine years.

The bail hearing is scheduled to take place on August 20. Magistrate Johannes Shuuveni gave an order to remand Heita in police custody until his next court appearance.
Heita is being represented by local defence attorney Kadhila Amoomo.