Walvis rape accused fails in bail bid
WALVIS BAY – The Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday denied bail to a man facing four counts of rape.
The accused, Michael Michael is also charged with four counts of housebreaking, theft and illegal possession of a firearm.
Magistrate John Sindano who presided over Michael’s bail application said the accused failed to produce any evidence, failed to call a witness nor disputed evidence brought forward by the State against him.
Michael was arrested on 11 December last year, after a cell phone, stolen from one of his victims during a housebreaking and rape incident, was traced back to him.
State prosecutor Annakleta Kandjimi opposed bail, saying Michael committed a serious offence and that it will not be in the best interest of the public to have him released on bail.
“The State has a strong case as testified previously by the investigating officer and we fear that the accused might commit the same offences again,” she said.
Michael defended himself during his bail application, citing he needs to take care of his ill mother as well as his three children.
However, he failed to convince the court during his application to be considered as a good candidate for bail.
“You did not challenge the State or react to the allegations as presented by the State. We can single out on the specific case whereby you were identified by one of the victims who again positively identified you at the identification parade,” Sindano said.
The magistrate also explained that Michael could get sentenced on that single case alone.
He also highlighted the accused was already convicted of housebreaking in 2016, whereby he was incarcerated for six months.
“Your release may be a threat to the public as well as disturb public order. You have also not convinced the court that you are an innocent person that is suitable for bail. What should also be clear is that personal circumstances take a back seat when you face such charges. Therefore, bail is denied,” Sindano said.