Windhoek
Family and friends of murder accused Stockley Kauejao, 42, heaved a collective sigh of relief when Judge Alfred Siboleka granted him bail at the third time of asking.
Judge Siboleka, although finding that a prima facie case has been established against Kauejao, concluded that he should be released on bail, although with stringent conditions.
The judge granted Kauejao bail in the amount of N$15 000 on condition he continues to be present at the trial until its conclusion. Kauejao was further ordered not to leave the Magisterial District of Windhoek before the finalisation of the matter and that he must report to Katutura Police Station on Mondays at 08h00, Wednesdays at 18h00 and Fridays at 18h00.
Kauejao was also ordered to surrender his driver’s license to the investigating officer, or the prosecution counsel, and is not allowed to apply for same before the finalisation of this matter.
He must also surrender any travel document/passport in his possession and is not allowed to apply for such documents before the finalisation of the case and was further ordered not to make direct or indirect contact with any of the State witnesses “in any manner whatsoever.”
The judge ordered that the bail conditions be placed before the Station Commander at Katutura Police Station.
In his ruling Judge Siboleka said it is “only an application for bail and the court is precluded to announce itself on the merits of the case, because that can only be done at the end of the trial,” but he added, “it will suffice to state that so far there is indeed a prima facie case that has been established.”
Kauejao’s legal representative, Advocate Slysken Makando, argued during the bail application that all crucial prosecution witnesses have so far testified and the fear of Kauejao interfering with witnesses has passed.
Kauejao is on trial for the murder of renowned stock theft investigator, Hiambepo ‘Major’ Kazeurua along with Matheu Kakururume, 31, Muvare Kaporo ,27, and Afas Kamutjemo, 40.
They pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, stock theft and defeating or attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice. State Advocate Dominic Lisulo appeared on behalf of the State.