An 18-year-old Windhoek resident who strangled his ex-girlfriend to death in her home last week was denied bail yesterday by Katutura Magistrate’s Court.

Ambrosius Sikati made his first court appearance before magistrate Sally Salionga on a charge of murder read with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act for the death of his ex-girlfriend Azora Roree !Owoses (28).

During his appearance, prosecutor Victoria Thompson said the State was not in favour of Sikati being released on bail pending the finalisation of his case.

“The State fears that the accused will abscond if granted bail as he faces a serious charge of murder. In addition, investigations in the matter are yet to be completed,” said Thompson. 

The State also noted that it would not be in the public’s interest nor the administration of justice for bail to be granted. 

Consequently, Salionga granted the State’s request, remanded Sikati in police custody and postponed the matter to 3 August for further police investigations and for him to apply for legal representation with the Directorate of Legal Aid. 

Sikati was arrested on 26 May after his ex-girlfriend’s lifeless body was discovered in her bedroom that same day.

According to the police spokesperson Elifas Kuwinga, on the date in question Sikati allegedly found !Owoses in the company of her current boyfriend at home having drinks.

“The suspect then asked the deceased to choose who to sleep over between them, and the current boyfriend then left leaving the suspect and the deceased,” explained Kuwinga.

A witness who is a cousin of !Owoses heard sounds from her room of someone being strangled. 

 “She started texting people in the main house to wake up and when they went to check the deceased room, they found her lying on the bed, dead. The suspect was nowhere to be found,” said Kuwinga.

The incident occurred on Wilbard Kapuenene Street, Katutura Central.

-mamakali@nepc.com.na