New date for axe murder hearing

WILBARD MBAVU (27), who allegedly murdered Walvis Bay resident Gerda van Heerden (44), made his second appearance in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

The case was postponed until June 8 for further investigation. Mbavu is charged with murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.He allegedly murdered Van Heerden at her home in Peter Khaxab Street at Walvis Bay on March 13.He was arrested shortly afterwards.The victim’s cellphone and a pistol were found in his possession, according to the charge sheet.The axe with which Van Heerden was murdered was found on the crime scene.It is alleged that Mbavu was a former colleague of Van Heerden’s at an upholstery business.Van Heerden’s daughter, 12-year-old Amoret, found her mother’s lifeless body when she returned from school.Blood-spattered walls indicated a violent struggle and brutal murder.Mbavu is charged with murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.He allegedly murdered Van Heerden at her home in Peter Khaxab Street at Walvis Bay on March 13.He was arrested shortly afterwards.The victim’s cellphone and a pistol were found in his possession, according to the charge sheet.The axe with which Van Heerden was murdered was found on the crime scene.It is alleged that Mbavu was a former colleague of Van Heerden’s at an upholstery business.Van Heerden’s daughter, 12-year-old Amoret, found her mother’s lifeless body when she returned from school.Blood-spattered walls indicated a violent struggle and brutal murder.