RUNDU - Retired army general Thomas Hamunyela was yesterday denied bail in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court where he appeared on a count of stock theft. 
The 64-year-old Hamunyela was arrested in the Kavango West region at his farm on Tuesday. The stock theft charges relate to three oxen and two cows, with a combined value of N$20 000. 

Hamunyela appeared before acting magistrate Rufinus Hikerua and prosecutor Hilia Munzenze. 
He indicated to the court that he would not seek the services of a private lawyer but will apply for legal aid. The matter was remanded to 10 March for further police investigations while the retired army general remains in police custody. 
Hillia Munzenze represented the State in the matter while Modestus Mangundu was the court interpreter. Hamunyela is not a stranger to the Rundu Magistrate’s Court. In 2016, he appeared on fraud and corruption charges.  

However, his trial that was scheduled to take place was later withdrawn in 2017. At the time, officials at the Rundu Magistrate’s Court could not provide New Era with reasons for the withdrawal of the general’s case. Hamunyela allegedly used the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) property, including a water bowser trailer, tents, blankets and grinder, at the construction site of his home at Sivaradi in Kapako constituency in Kavango West. 

In addition, he also allegedly used a soldier to transport equipment and building material to the said homestead. 
Upon completion of the Anti-corruption Commission investigation, the docket was submitted to the prosecutor general, who decided to arraign Hamunyela in the Rundu Regional Court. However, his case was withdrawn and removed from the court’s roll before trial.
- jmuyamba@nepc.com.na