ONGWEDIVA – An inmate at the Omungwelume police station in Ohangwena launched a new bail application last week, claiming he is currently malnourished and starving. 

Erastus Shimwooshili has been detained at the station since 2016 in connection with robbery. 

Shimwooshili and the other three accused individuals were charged in connection with robberies totalling N$4 000. 

Shimwooshili has been complaining of inadequate nutrition due to a diet prescribed to him by his doctor. 

According to him, the police have been unable to meet his doctor’s dietary prescriptions. 

The prescriptions state that he requires a particular diet consisting of eggs, mixed vegetables, low-fat fresh milk and other special meals, something the police cannot provide. This is the basis of his application.

But according to Elvis Mwilima of the northern magistrate division, the likelihood of the extension of his continued incarceration is very strong while the other three suspects might be released when all necessary measures are put in place. Shimwooshili brought his new bail bid last week in the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court. 

According to court records, Shimwooshili was initially detained in the Oshakati police station before being moved to the Omungwelume police station so he could stay near his family members due to his particular health needs while in detention.

The dockets also revealed that Shimwooshili’s father, who has since relocated to Okahandja, used to cater for his special diet. 

Now that he has to fend for himself, he demanded to be release on bail with immediate effect. - taimihaihambo2000@gmail.com