WALVIS BAY - Two Zambian truck drivers accused of assaulting a transgender man in Walvis Bay last week after heavy drinking and socialising, are to remain behind bars.
The two men, Jonathan Kamfwa (40), and Shabombe Shiaimense (32) were arrested last Wednesday after their alleged victim was found unconscious near a service station close to the Dunes Mall.
The victim was naked, and there were condoms scattered all around him.
Namibian Police spokesperson for Erongo, Inspector Ileni Shapumba, said the victim was transported to Windhoek for urgent medical attention due to the serious nature of his injuries.
As a result of the changed circumstances, the charge that had been preferred against the suspects was changed from assault to attempted murder.
Facts are that the two drivers had been socialising at a local bar with a woman, whom they allegedly asked to invite another companion. It is reported that the two suspects only became aware of the individual’s transgender identity after heavy drinking, leading to the violent confrontation.
The accused appeared in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court yesterday, facing attempted murder charges. Prosecutor Victoria Shikesho opposed granting of bail, asserting that the accused are a flight risk, and emphasised that investigations into the case were still in their early stages.
“The victim’s condition is critical, and required to be transferred to Windhoek for medical attention. Hence, we are opposing bail at this stage,” she stated.
During their court appearance, both accused expressed intentions to apply for legal aid, and said they were also awaiting their employer’s response regarding their legal representation.
Magistrate John Sindano postponed the case to 27 March to allow for further investigations. He advised the accused that they could formally apply for bail by providing clear reasons why they should be granted bail.
Meanwhile, Omar van Reenen, the co-founder of EqualNamibia – a youth-led social movement fighting to end homophobia and intersectional discrimination – said shortly after the court proceedings the alleged rape and attempted murder are despicable and sad, “showing that we have no safety measures and protection for our communities”.
“We really hope justice is served, and that the Zambian suspects who allegedly committed this heinous crime are convicted for attempted murder, basically. We also hope that their transgender victim recovers well, but we are here today to make sure that justice is served at the end of the day,” Van Reenen added.