Allexer Namundjembo
The State has applied for parts of the terrorism trial involving Jona Hangula to be heard behind closed doors, citing security concerns surrounding the testimony of a United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent.
According to court documents seen by the Windhoek Observer, the prosecution has invoked Sections 153 and 158 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 51 of 1977, which provide for proceedings to be held in camera where evidence may pose a security risk.
In its application, the State requests that the FBI special agent’s testimony be heard in camera before the presiding judge.
The prosecution is also seeking an order allowing the agent to testify under an alias and preventing the defence from eliciting any personal identifying information during cross-examination or at any other stage of the proceedings.
In addition, the State has requested that the special agent be allowed to testify in disguise.
The application further requests that no closed-circuit television (CCTV) or other visual feed be used to broadcast the FBI agent’s testimony.
According to the filing, only the presiding judge, the accused, his legal counsel, the prosecution, essential court personnel, and any United States government representatives deemed necessary should be present in the courtroom while the agent is testifying.
The State has also requested that the FBI special agent be allowed to use a non-public entrance and exit to access the courtroom.
Hangula is scheduled to appear in court on 22 July, when the matter is expected to proceed.
Hangula, a 34-year-old resident of Grootfontein, has been in custody since his arrest in June 2023 after being denied bail.
He is facing 17 charges in the Windhoek High Court, including terrorism, high treason and financing terrorist activities.
According to the State, Hangula conspired with international extremist groups, including ISIS, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab, in an alleged plot to overthrow the Namibian government and establish an Islamic state in northern Namibia or southern Angola.
Prosecutors further allege that Hangula received about N$6.5 million from foreign sources and handled nearly N$30 million in suspected local terror financing.
Investigators from the Namibian Police’s Anti-Terrorism Task Force claim they uncovered ISIS propaganda material, execution videos and communications referring to the establishment of military bases and the recruitment of fighters.
Hangula has denied all the charges.
His defence maintains that the funds in question were linked to legitimate business activities, including the importation of cellphones and the export of dates and charcoal, as well as charitable work.
His lawyer has also argued that delays in the investigation and prosecution have infringed on his constitutional rights.
