Former Unam hostels boss wins reprieve

A THEFT charge that derailed the career of the University of Namibia’s former Head of Accommodation, Martino Olivier, a year ago was withdrawn in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The charge that has been pending against Olivier (43) since March 24 last year was withdrawn by the State when Olivier made his fourth appearance in court. It is understood that the charge was withdrawn because the State has concluded that the evidence against Olivier is at this stage not sufficient to base a prosecution against him on.Public Prosecutor Amize Adams told Magistrate Sarel Jacobs that the charge was being withdrawn in terms of section 6(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act.Under this section, a charge can be withdrawn against an accused person who has not yet pleaded to a charge.The person can, however, again be charged and prosecuted at a later stage, such as when additional evidence has been gathered.Olivier has been free on bail of N$1 000 since March 24 last year, when he was charged with a count of theft.It is understood that the charge was withdrawn because the State has concluded that the evidence against Olivier is at this stage not sufficient to base a prosecution against him on.Public Prosecutor Amize Adams told Magistrate Sarel Jacobs that the charge was being withdrawn in terms of section 6(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act.Under this section, a charge can be withdrawn against an accused person who has not yet pleaded to a charge.The person can, however, again be charged and prosecuted at a later stage, such as when additional evidence has been gathered.Olivier has been free on bail of N$1 000 since March 24 last year, when he was charged with a count of theft.