Former Okahandja regional councillor Steve Biko Booys, who is accused of sexually violating his 20-year-old daughter, is awaiting trial after his case was transferred to the Windhoek Regional Court.

Making his first appearance yesterday before magistrate Justine Asino, Booys, who is also a former National Council member, was informed the court is yet to set a date when his trial will commence.

As per the prosecutor general’s decision, Booys will stand trial on two charges of rape with two alternative counts of incest.

The State is alleging he raped the 20-year-old woman at his home in Okahandja on 16 January 2021 and also on 17 January 2021. 

It is also alleged the complainant was raped while she was affected by sleep or intoxicating liquor or a substance that mentally incapacitated her. 

During the bail hearing, Booys denied the allegations.

He told the court the complainant was at his house on the two days in question. He said there were drinks at his house but denied he provided alcohol to the woman. 

Although Booys denied any contact with the victim, the State said it has evidence in the form of cell phone records and copies of messages that show Booys repeatedly contacted the complainant from 18 January to 2 February last year.

The prosecutor further claimed the cell phone messages exchanged between him and his alleged victim showed the contact between them was specifically about the allegations of rape made against him.

Booys has been in police custody since his arrest on 2 February 2021. The State is still objecting to his release on bail pending the finalisation of the case.  Okahandja Magistrate’s Court refused Booys bail on grounds that there is a strong prima facie case, it is not in the public interest nor in the interest of the administration of justice and there is a likelihood of him interfering with investigations and State witnesses.

Booys filed an appeal with the High Court, which he later decided to abandon. 

He is currently in police custody at the Windhoek Correctional facility.

Booys is represented by Jermaine Muchali, while Menencia Hinda appeared for the State. He is expected to appear in court on 15 November for fixing of a trial date.

-mamakali@nepc.com.na