The commencement of the trial involving a pensioner who stands accused of trafficking and raping a minor at Noordoewer has been put on hold.

This follows an application in which the accused seeks clarification on the charges he faces.

Dirk von Weidts (72) faces nine criminal charges in connection with the alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl between October 2020 and January 2021 at Noordoewer. The State alleges that the suspect harboured the victim by deception and subjected her to sexual exploitation. According to the indictment, the victim who cannot be named to protect her identity, was also indecently assaulted and physical force was inflicted on her.

Von Weidts is charged alongside Jors Arrie, who also faces nine charges including trafficking in persons and attempted rape. Von Weidts, in a counter application filed in the Windhoek High court on Tuesday before the commencement of the trial, wants the State to clarify and provide further particulars in respect to the charges he faces.

Judge Naomi Shivute has since ordered that the State, represented by Felistas Sikerete, files its written heads of argument on 26 September, when the matter will be heard.

The state alleges that Arrie also sexually violated the 11-year-old girl between the period of October 2020 and January 2021, also at Noordoewer.

-Nampa