A lawyer employed by the Directorate of Legal Aid in the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, Eva Maria Nangolo, is being held in custody after appearing in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on charges of theft and defeating or obstructing the course of justice yesterday.
Nangolo (47) is accused of stealing items with a total value of N$3 920 – sunscreen valued at N$500, anti-ageing cream valued at N$2 740 and vitamin supplements with a price of N$680 – at a Dis-Chem store in Wernhil Park shopping centre in Windhoek on Saturday.
The state is also claiming that Nangolo obstructed a police investigation by refusing to open her car, in which she had allegedly placed items with which she had left the Dis-Chem shop without paying.
Public prosecutor Menencia Hinda informed magistrate Auguste Simon that the state is objecting to bail being granted to Nangolo because there is a risk she would interfere with the investigation of the case if released on bail.
Hinda said Nangolo is still in possession of her car’s keys, and the police are in the process of obtaining a warrant to carry out a search of her vehicle, which is still parked at Wernhil Park shopping centre.
Hinda also said if the police are able to retrieve the items allegedly stolen from the shop from Nangolo’s car, the state would reconsider its position regarding the granting of bail to her.
Defence lawyer Tuna Nhinda told the magistrate his instructions from Nangolo are that she does not have the car keys in her possession.
Nangolo should not be subjected to anticipatory punishment by being denied bail if the police do not get access to her car, Nhinda said.
He said the court could grant her bail with conditions attached to her release, such as the condition that she may not go near her vehicle.
Nangolo, who was remanded in custody, has to return to court on Friday for a bail hearing date to be determined.
