Defence downplays State House incident

THE Ministry of Defence says the incident in which NDF officer John C Kashikakumwe (42) crashed into a wall at State House was “purely a civil case”.

Lieutenant Colonel Kashikakumwe crashed into the wall with an NDF vehicle 10 days ago and was arrested and charged with drunken driving, pointing of a firearm, reckless and negligent driving, and defeating the course of justice after he resisted arrest. Defence Permanent Secretary Petrus Shivute said on Friday they condemned Kashikakumwe’s unbecoming behaviour, which had brought the army’s image into disrepute, but added that there had been no intention to forcibly enter State House, as was reported in a local daily newspaper.”This is purely a civil case which should be investigated without prejudice or any emotion,” he said in a statement.Kashikakumwe appeared before Magistrate Olivia Mutjavikua in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court last week Tuesday and was granted bail of N$1 000.His case was postponed to June 28 for further investigation and for him to arrange his legal representation.Defence Permanent Secretary Petrus Shivute said on Friday they condemned Kashikakumwe’s unbecoming behaviour, which had brought the army’s image into disrepute, but added that there had been no intention to forcibly enter State House, as was reported in a local daily newspaper.”This is purely a civil case which should be investigated without prejudice or any emotion,” he said in a statement.Kashikakumwe appeared before Magistrate Olivia Mutjavikua in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court last week Tuesday and was granted bail of N$1 000.His case was postponed to June 28 for further investigation and for him to arrange his legal representation.