A 44-year-old man accused of killing his girlfriend at Katima Mulilo on Sunday is remaining in custody after appearing in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The state is alleging that Steven Naruseb assaulted his girlfriend, Rachel Simasiku, with an axe in the Choto location at Katima Mulilo on Sunday.
After he allegedly assaulted Simasiku, Naruseb is claimed to have fled from the scene of the assault. He handed himself over to the police on Tuesday.
Simasiku was declared dead on arrival at Katima Mulilo State Hospital.
Naruseb’s case was postponed to 22 April for further investigations to be carried out.
Public prosecutor Cedric Mundia said Naruseb cannot be granted bail due to the serious nature of the offence, and as his release on bail would not be in the public interest.
Mundia added that Naruseb is a flight risk, while the prosecution fears he might interfere with investigations and influence witnesses.
Magistrate Davy Kambinda said that Naruseb being denied bail is also for his safety and to allow him to get a fair trial according to law.
The magistrate advised Naruseb to get a lawyer and request a formal bail application if he wishes to apply to be granted bail.
