Murder accused headed to mental observation

Iuze Mukube

An Angolan national accused of assaulting and killing his romantic partner by striking her on the head with a pounding stick is expected to undergo mental observation in terms of section 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act. 

Windhoek High Court Deputy Judge President Hannelie Prinsloo yesterday ordered murder accused Matende Ndjunga (21) to undergo a mental evaluation to determine whether he is fit to stand trial. 

The directive follows after Ndjunga, through his lawyer Joseph Andreas, informed Judge Prinsloo during pre-trial proceedings yesterday that he has psychosis and has previously received treatment for the condition, which is also reflected in his medical records. 

His lawyer applied in accordance with section 79 of the CPA for Ndjunga to be referred for mental observation, with his health passport submitted to support the application. 

The State indicated that it had no objection to the application. 

Judge Prinsloo postponed the matter to 21 October 2026 to allow for the evaluation of the accused’s mental state to be conducted in terms of sections 77, 78 and 79 of the CPA. 

Ndjunga faces two charges, including murder read with the provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. 

The State alleges that between 12 and 13 October 2022 near Diyogha village in Mukwe in the district of Rundu, the accused unlawfully and intentionally killed Theresia Nando Kapinga, who he is perceived to have been romantically involved with. 

He allegedly assaulted Kapinga by striking her on the head with a pounding stick and, subsequently, with intent to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, set her body on fire. 

He allegedly committed the second count knowing or foreseeing the possibility that his conduct may hide the crime of murder and frustrate or interfere with police investigations into the matter. 

This was allegedly done with intent to conceal or destroy physical evidence of the assault on the deceased and for him to get away with murder.  

-imukube@nepc.com.na

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