WINDHOEK – Romeo Schieffer who is accused of the cold-blooded murder of both his parents in their home in Khomasdal will today either walk out of court a free man or be heading straight back to prison for many years when Judge Naomi Shivute delivers her verdict. Judge Shivute was expected to give her verdict in July already, but indicated at the time that she needs more time to consider her decision.
This has led many people to venture into conjecture and to entertain the idea that the judge might be disposed to discharge the youngster. Many people in the legal profession New Era spoke to, while hesitant to venture a guess, were of the opinion that it is a 50/50 situation in which the judge would want to be extremely certain of her facts either way. It is alleged that Schieffer killed both his parents, Frans and Fransiena Schieffer who were both 50-years-old at the time of their death in their Khomasdal home on January 18, 2008.
Schieffer who was 19 at the time of the murders is alleged to have stabbed his mother and shot dead his father in his bedroom. Schieffer senior was found with one bullet wound to the head and his wife on the floor next to him with nine bullet wounds in her body and numerous stab wounds. A broken knife blade was found stuck in her neck. Schieffer who is now 24 faces two charges of murder and one count of robbery with aggravating circumstances. He denied all the charges. State Advocate Belinda Wantenaar prosecuted, while Winnie Christiaans represented Schieffer courtesy of the Department of Legal Aid.
By Roland Routh