The murder case of a nine-year-old girl, who was allegedly assaulted to death in January this year in Windhoek North, was postponed to next year due to outstanding laboratory results. 
The National Forensic Science Institute of the Namibian police is yet to compile laboratory results in the matter of three Zimbabwean nationals accused of beating to death the nine-year-old. 
According to prosecutor Cedric Mundia, the forensic authorities cited budgetary constraints and the Covid-19 pandemic for the delay. 

He further added the laboratory had to also relocate to new premises and there is a need to set up the machines. Mundia informed the court that the laboratory will be fully functional in the next six weeks. 
Thus, magistrate Celma Amadhila postponed the matter to 12 February 2021 for laboratory results to be available. 
Caroline Nkata (36), Rachael Kureva (37) and Edward Nkata (age unknown) all made an appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court and were all remanded in custody. 

Edward Nkata and Kureva – parents to the nine-year-old Akundaishe Natalie Chipomho, alongside Edward’s wife Caroline Nkata, face charges of murder, read with the provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, defeating or obstructing the course of justice and violating a human body. 
Caroline, who admitted guilt to the charges during her first appearance in court, confessed her husband (Edward) beat Chipomho. 

She was allegedly home when the victim was being beaten. After the child died from being assaulted, her husband forced her to help him dispose of the girl’s body in a rubbish skip. 
It was her testimony that he further forced her to accompany him to buy paraffin, dispose of the body and to set it alight. 
According to court documents, a post-mortem revealed her death is related to trauma to her head and lower abdomen. 
The Nkatas were spotted dragging a wheelie bin in the eastern direction of Ooievaar Street in the Rhino Park area around 21h00 and a witness felt it was suspicious because it was at night. 
The couple was caught on surveillance camera in the area.  

According to the police, neighbours reported that the children, and specifically Chipomho, had been assaulted on several occasions, and that this had been reported to social services since last year. 
In an attempt to run from the law, the Nkatas tried to flee the country before they were arrested outside Otjiwarongo. 
- mamakali@nepc.com.na