A Grootfontein resident, who is facing a terrorism charge among a host of other charges, is applying to the Windhoek High Court to be released on bail, pending the finalisation of his trial.
Jonathan Hangula (34) is only applying for bail now that his case was transferred to the High Court, as the law does not permit someone charged with terrorism to apply for bail in the lower courts.
Judge Eileen Rakow is presiding over the bail hearing.
Hangula told the court that he has been in custody for the better part of two years. He further said that he is not a flight risk and intends to face his accusers and clear his name. According to him, his social media accounts were hacked, and he is not the one who posted the social media messages for which he is accused.
He further said that he will abide by all bail conditions the State wishes to impose, and he will not interfere with witnesses or the investigation. His privately instructed lawyer, Wihan Brand, told the court that his client is ready to face the charges but needs to be outside to earn funds to pay for his services. Hangula has in the meantime applied to be represented by a lawyer appointed by the Department of Legal Aid during his trial.
Advocate Lourens Campher objected strongly to bail being granted to the accused.
He said Hangula faces serious charges, which echoes internationally. Campher told the court there is a reason why bail can only be applied for in the High Court in such cases. He cited the interest of justice, the interest of society, and international interest as serious grounds to keep Hangula in custody pending the finalisation of his trial. He further said there is a strong possibility that Hangula could abscond, as he is seen as a flight risk with ties to terrorist organisations, and that there is a real threat that he could interfere with witnesses and the investigation.
He faces 19 charges, including arranging for the retention or control of funds belonging to persons involved in terrorist or proliferation activities.
It is alleged by the State that he used WhatsApp groups to entice members of the public to become members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al-Shebab.
He allegedly received US$6.5 million from various institutions and N$30 million from one institution.
The institutions are not named in the court documents.
It is also alleged by the State that Hangula conspired to carry out a violent takeover of the authority of the State in Namibia between 2015 and 2020.
The indictment states that he allegedly conspired or attempted to conspire with others to overthrow the Namibian government and establish an Islamic state in the country.
Hangula remains in custody awaiting trial.