WINDHOEK – The trial of six men charged with the armed robbery in which Police Sergeant Andreas John Nghatanga was shot dead at a nightclub in the capital two years ago, resumed in the High Court on Tuesday.
The accused, who face a number of charges ranging from robbery with aggravating circumstances to murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and common assault, pleaded not guilty at the start of their trial before High Court Judge Mavis Gibson earlier this year. The armed robbery and the killing of the Policeman took place at the People’s Inn Gambling House and Bar in the Okuryangava residential area in the early hours of Sunday, May 19 2002.The accused are Andapo Kristof Shigwedha (28), Elia Avelinu (29), Reinhold Nambahu (24), Likius Shiikundeni Shafodino (24), Elifas Ndalusha (25) and Jason Miipale Nangombe (32).Dr Elizabeth Shangula, who conducted the post-mortem, testified earlier that Nghatanga died as a result of severe blood loss caused by the gunshot.According to the charge sheet, Nghatanga, who was attached to the Police’s VIP Unit, was shot after two of the alleged armed robbers stormed the premises.The robbers allegedly killed Nghatanga after they realised he was armed.They left with some N$44 000 in cash, a shotgun belonging to the gambling house, and Nghatanga’s service pistol.Nghatanga was a fighter in Swapo’s former People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan) and a former leading member of the party’s Ndilimani music group.Lawyers Christie Mostert, Bradley Basson and Lucia Hamutenya, acting on the instructions of the Justice Ministry’s Directorate of Legal Aid, are defending the six men.Yolanda Gertze is handling the prosecution’s case.The trial continues.- NampaThe armed robbery and the killing of the Policeman took place at the People’s Inn Gambling House and Bar in the Okuryangava residential area in the early hours of Sunday, May 19 2002.The accused are Andapo Kristof Shigwedha (28), Elia Avelinu (29), Reinhold Nambahu (24), Likius Shiikundeni Shafodino (24), Elifas Ndalusha (25) and Jason Miipale Nangombe (32).Dr Elizabeth Shangula, who conducted the post-mortem, testified earlier that Nghatanga died as a result of severe blood loss caused by the gunshot.According to the charge sheet, Nghatanga, who was attached to the Police’s VIP Unit, was shot after two of the alleged armed robbers stormed the premises.The robbers allegedly killed Nghatanga after they realised he was armed.They left with some N$44 000 in cash, a shotgun belonging to the gambling house, and Nghatanga’s service pistol.Nghatanga was a fighter in Swapo’s former People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan) and a former leading member of the party’s Ndilimani music group.Lawyers Christie Mostert, Bradley Basson and Lucia Hamutenya, acting on the instructions of the Justice Ministry’s Directorate of Legal Aid, are defending the six men.Yolanda Gertze is handling the prosecution’s case.The trial continues.- Nampa
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!