WINDHOEK - Windhoek Magistrate’s Court released one of four people who stand accused of the murder of Alex Maluli Mushe early last year.

Last week, the court released Kenibirth Ashipala, 25, on bail of N$10, 000 after being in police custody since May 2017.

Ashipala was arrested alongside Kleapas Malima, 24, Nande Malima, 23, and Robert Shikongo, 25, for allegedly intentionally killing Mushe on April 6, 2017.

Ashipala became the third person to be released on bail after the court released Nande Malima and Shikongo on bail of N$10,000 respectively last month.
Kleapas Malima remains in police custody.

During the bail hearing, Nande Malima testified he saw his elder brother Kleopas Malima stabbing the deceased. According to court records, Kleopas Malima admitted that he stabbed Mushe because he had hit him with a stone.

Nande Malima further testified he and Shikongo were merely witnesses at the scene of the crime on the date in question. According to his recollection he does not remember seeing co-applicant Shikongo at the scene that night.

According to court documents, Kleopas Malima admitted guilt to the offence during his first appearance in court. The documents further stated Kleopas Malima admitted he stabbed Mushe because he had hit him with a stone.

According to the group’s charge sheet, in April they unlawfully and with intent killed Mushe by stabbing him within the vicinity of Windhoek.

Mushe died from excessive bleeding due to the stab wounds said to be inflicted on him by Malima and his co-accused.

The prosecution alleges the charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances derive from the fact the group were in possession of a dangerous weapon that was later used in the killing.
Having forced Mushe into submission, the group stole his bag and ran off.

The group’s case has been summarised and forwarded to the prosecutor general’s office for decision. Magistrate Vanessa Stanley postponed the matter to October 10 for the prosecutor general to pronounce herself on the matter.