Wentzel Maasdorp, the man accused of murdering 40-year-old Delia Maasdorp in Windhoek, was remanded in police custody after he made his first court appearance yesterday.

Maasdorp was arrested on Tuesday in Windhoek’s Southern Industrial Area following an intensive manhunt by the Namibian Police in connection with the murder of Delia, whose body was found in her flat on Sunday.

According to the police report, Delia’s body was found in her apartment within the Eucalyptus complex in Eros on Sunday afternoon when a friend, along with police officers and a representative of the building’s management, accessed the apartment by forcing open one of the windows.

Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi said evidence points to the suspect as the being one who abandoned Delia’s stolen vehicle in Rundu.

It is alleged that Wentzel attempted to flee to Rehoboth after leaving the vehicle at an Engen service station along the Trans-Caprivi highway in Rundu.

The police indicated that the recovered vehicle matches the one stolen from Delia’s residence in Windhoek, as previously identified by deputy commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu.

Yesterday, Wentzel appeared in court on charges of murder and theft. 

Prosecutor Bernadine Bertolini said the State was objecting to granting of bail as there are fears that Wentzel is a flight risk who might abscond and not stand trial.

She further said despite investigations still being at infancy, the State has strong evidence against the accused and it would also not be in the public interest or administration of justice to have him released on bail.

Bertolini requested that Wentzel be detained at the Windhoek Correctional Facility. 

Magistrate Olga Mutafela Likando granted the request and postponed the case to 21 August to allow for further police investigations. 

She further informed Wentzel of his rights to a state-funded attorney.

During the proceedings, he was represented by Milton Engelbrecht pro bono. 

-Additional reporting by Nampa

-mamakali@nepc.com.na