A 33-year-old state witness, who was expected to testify today in an ongoing murder trial in the High Court circuit sittings at Katima Mulilo took his own life on Monday morning.
The deceased was identified as Asser Buys, and his family has been informed of his death.
The acting regional crime investigations coordinator, detective chief inspector Albius Liomba, confirmed the incident to The Namibian on Monday, saying it happened around 08h30 at the Macaravan West location.
He added that no suicide note was found and police investigations continue.
The deceased was supposed to testify before judge president Petrus Damaseb in a murder case where Ikabela Musukubili (23) stands accused of killing his girlfriend Beritha Doctor in July 2019, as well as one count of obstructing and impeding the course of justice, and an assault charge.
During court proceedings, deputy prosecutor general Johan Pienaar informed the court that they could not continue with the trial because of his suicide, and that two other state witnesses in the case were related to the now deceased. As a result, they were unable to be in court as they are mourning.
Damaseb then postponed the matter to 28 August for continuation
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