The police are still investigating a case in which a 57-year-old man killed his wife and daughter, and attempted to kill four other people in a shooting spree last year in Stinkwater, Dordabis area.
During his court appearance in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court, Edward Rooi was informed that investigations into his case have not yet been finalised.
According to state prosecutor Tatelo Lusepani, there are witness statements that have not yet been obtained, and the forensics results are outstanding.
Rooi, who is appearing for the second time, informed magistrate Johannes Shuuveni he is still without legal representation, as the Directorate of Legal Aid is yet to provide him with a lawyer.
Thus, the court postponed the matter to 12 April for legal aid and further police investigations. Rooi was remanded in police custody.
The prosecution is charging him with two counts of murder for shooting and killing his wife Meggie Rooi (56) and daughter Goldie Landsberg (30).
The prosecution also claims Rooi tried to kill Willem Cloete (age unknown) by shooting him four times, and Silva Kotze (32), who was shot once in the thigh.
Rooi also allegedly tried to kill Sakaria Kawoko and Michael Silas when he shot at them with a gun.
He further faces two counts of malicious damage to property.
The shooting incident occurred on 5 November 2022 on a farm in Stinkwater.
The couple has allegedly been in an abusive relationship for years, which led to their separation three years ago.
The couple’s daughter and eyewitness, Stejan Rooi, said her mother and siblings have been living at her mother’s home after the separation.
It is alleged that on the day of the incident, Rooi went looking for Maggie. When he arrived at the house, picked up an axe and aimed it toward one of his daughters, who ran away. After she fled, he allegedly took out his gun and shot Cloete four times. Maggie was shot while she and Stejan were running into the house.
He allegedly approached Stejan, slapped her, and said she was next.
However, he did not shoot her.
-mamakali@nepc.com.na