FORMER Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement spokesperson Simon Amunime is pleading for assistance with the legal funds of Micheal Amushelelo and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma after the two have spent over 90 days in custody.
The AR movement's Nauyoma and Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) member Amushelelo were arrested on 13 May with six others in connection with a demonstration at Windhoek's China Town shopping complex.
The six others were released on a warning, while Nauyoma and Amushelelo remain in custody, with their case postponed to 22 August for the prosecutor general's decision.
Amunime, who was recently relieved of his duties by AR, says the two activists are being represented by Sisa Namandje, Kadhila Amoomo, and Nambili Mhata legal practitioners.
“The three law firms are not doing any of this free of charge, and because their judgement keeps being postponed, their legal funds keep increasing.
“So far N$120 000 has been paid to the legal firms, but there is an outstanding fee of over N$80 000 which needs to be paid,” he says.
Amunime says the NEFF has partly contributed to the fees by paying Kadhila Amoomo N$50 000, Nambili Mhata legal practitioners N$45 000, and Sisa Namandje's law firm N$25 000.
Amunime says a group of street vendors from the Stop n Shop market at Okuryangava have raised N$1 900.
“The guys have written a letter that states on legal matters only the three lawyers will represent them, but when it comes to any commentary on political matters, I am authorised to do so, as well as the deputy president of the NEFF, Kalimbo Iipumbu.”
Iipumbu has confirmed they need financial assistance to cover the acticists' legal costs.
“We believe there are those Samaritans who would really want to support and see justice prevailing in favour of the two young men,” he said.
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