By: Ludorf Iyambo
Prominent lawyer, Kadhila Amoomo, who is representing activist, Ndimbulukeni Nauyoma, and Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) economic commissar, Michael Amushelelo, has said that some Chinese nationals were chickening out from providing witness statements, hindering progress on investigations.
“So, they do not want to hand in statements to the police, and they are hindering the investigation. Fortunately, the prosecutor Emma Mayavero, said she will try and sort that out before the 28th of July, and hopefully, by then, the investigation will be finalized,” said Amoomo.
He further said that in the meantime, they expect to get a date of bail application on the 7th of July for Amushelelo and Nauyoma.
The state has been given one more last opportunity to finalize their investigation on the duo.
Nauyoma and Amushelelo appeared in court Tuesday morning where their matter was postponed to the 28th of July 2022 to allow the state more time to conclude their investigations into charges of public incitement to violence.
The duo was arrested after they attempted to shut down China Town, protesting the burning of counterfeit goods by the Namibia Revenue Authority (NAMRA).
Nauyoma was arrested on the very day of the demonstration while Amushelelo handed himself over to the police.
Their arrest has been condemned by political advisor as well as prominent clergyman, Bishop Lukas Katenda.
Besides Amushelelo and Nauyoma, other people who have been brought before court are Lawrence Mwatile, Jan-Epafras Mukwiilongo, Emily Mununga, and Annacky Amupanda, Risto Ithikwa and Julieta Amushelelo.
The six were released on bail.
“The fight continues, and we must return to court again on the 28th of July. This is the last time the state has been given to finalize their investigation,” said Amoomo soon after the appearance of his clients.
Meanwhile, Kalimbo Ipumbu, the NEFF second in command said that the running case is a waste of state resources as the state doesn’t have a substantive case at hand.
During the interview with The Villager on Tuesday, Kalimbo said they anticipated the postponement of the case.
In the meantime, they have applied with the High Court for bail application for the two accused.
“We are going to weigh on the date that we will get tomorrow from the high court and see if we will go with the high court appeal or we come for the bail application again on Thursday,” said Ipumbu.
Ipumbu claimed that politicians were behind the case.
