Tses – A 29-year-old man, Joseph Hamajo, accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in Tses, was denied bail in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The case was presided over by Magistrate Erich Dandu.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Dandu denied bail citing the early stage of police investigations and the risk of the accused interfering with State witnesses. The case has been postponed to 28 December 2023 for further investigation and to allow Hamajo time to acquire legal representation. He informed the court of his intention to seek legal aid. The State’s case was represented by Elyza Mucheka. The incident reportedly occurred between 22h30 and midnight on Friday at the Aukamp residential area in Tses, where Hamajo allegedly lured the girl to his room with the promise of food and then raped her. He threatened her to remain silent about the incident before escorting her back home. Hamajo, who was arrested on Sunday, will remain in custody at the Keetmanshoop police holding cells until his next court appearance.