Residents of Tsumeb on Thursday protested against the possibility of bail being granted to Ricardo “Anne” Denise, a constituency council official during his appearance in the town’s magistrate court.
Denise was arrested after handing himself to the police in connection with the theft of drought relief aid food worth an estimated N$100 000.
According to Johannes Johannes, a social justice activist of the Affirmative Repositioning movement in Tsumeb, the angry residents marched to the court to demand that no bail be granted to the accused person. They also handed a petition with their grievances to the public prosecutor.
Their anger stems from the arrest and consequent denial of bail for Johannes Mupetami, one of the first suspects that was apprehended in connection with the theft. Mupatemi was arrested more than a week ago.
Johannes said that Mupetami was arrested for purchasing food sold to him, while Zennecia Nghitamuka another council official also connected to the case, was granted bail of N$2 500 during her first appearance before the Tsumeb Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
He added that the protest by the angry residents seemed to have had a positive result when Denise was denied bail.
The presiding magistrate postponed the matter to 1 August with an option for Denise to formally apply for bail on 12 June.
“It is inconceivable that those who stole the drought aid are granted bail and not Mupetami who just bought the stolen goods from them. Through our lawyer Samson Enkali from Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners, we will also launch a formal bail application for Mupetami on 12 June,” Johannes said.
The activist also demanded that the constituency council office remain closed until the investigation into the theft of drought aid is completed.
Report: Martin Endjala
