Stefanus Nashama
Bail for Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters Commissar and self-proclaimed ‘People’s General’, Michael Amushelelo was refused by the Katutura Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
The Namibian Police arrested Amushelelo, together with parliamentarian Inna Hengari and activist Dimbulukeni Nauyoma, on March 21.
Amushelelo’s legal representative, Kadhila Amoomo, said he will appeal the Magistrate’s Court decision in the High Court.
“Bail was denied by the Magistrate’s Court and the Prosecutor General continues to oppose his bail. We will appeal to the High Court. We have done it before and it worked,” Amoomo confirmed, adding that his client is in good spirits and understands the political forces against him.
“We will update you as soon as we get a date from the High Court,” he stated. Amoomo said his client need bail because he is innocent until proven guilty.
The formal bail application was held before the Magistrate’s Court on the 12th and 13th of April. Amoomo during arguments in court explained that Amushelelo is a husband who is supposed to take care of his family and that he has many other responsibilities.
He further stressed that his client needs bail because he has a young daughter, he is self-employed, and his being in jail will negatively affect his life, family and businesses.
According to Amoomo, the state opposed the bail application because Amushelelo is facing serious charges.
Activist Amushelelo also faces a civil lawsuit, which was filed by the Inspector-General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo.
Shikongo is accusing the activist of making defamatory remarks against him after he was involved in a car accident in which three people died.
Hengari and Nauyoma were granted bail, but in the matter of Amushelelo, the Prosecutor General continues to oppose bail.
Cuthbert Lusipani represents the state while Magistrate Surita Savage presided over the matter.
