Nauyoma told to stay in line with release on bail

Activist Dimbulukeni Nauyoma may not take part in any illegal demonstrations or gathering, or incite public violence, while free on bail, a magistrate directed in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court in Katutura yesterday.

Magistrate Olivia van der Colff set these conditions at the end of a ruling in which she granted Nauyoma bail in an amount of N$5 000, nearly two weeks after his arrest in Windhoek at an alleged illegal demonstration over Namibia’s high unemployment rate.

Van der Colff concluded that Nauyoma (31) had shown on a balance of probabilities that he would not be a flight risk, would stand his trial and would not interfere with the police’s investigation of his case, if released on bail.

Nauyoma, fellow activist Michael Amushelelo and Popular Democratic Movement parliamentarian Inna Hengari are charged with counts of public violence, incitement to public violence and malicious damage to property in connection with a planned public demonstration about unemployment in Namibia that the police prohibited from going ahead on 21 March.

Hengari was granted bail in an amount of N$5 000 three days after their arrest. Amushelelo has not applied to be granted bail since his arrest.

Testifying during his bail hearing on Thursday last week, Nauyoma said he heeded the police’s instructions that protesters gathered at the Katutura Youth Complex on the morning of 21 March had to disperse.

He said about 150 of the demonstrators were walking home in a group while carrying placards made for their demonstration and singing songs to keep their spirits up when he, Amushelelo and Hengari were arrested.

“I do not know why I was arrested. We were just complying, peacefully going home,” Nauyoma told the magistrate. He also said he was not aware of a police vehicle being damaged when protesters allegedly threw stones at it.

In her ruling, Van der Colff noted there was no evidence before her that showed how Nauyoma incited people to behave violently and damage police property.

She said she was hesitant to conclude that Nauyoma participated in public violence. That is an issue that would have to be decided when he stands trial, she said.

Defence lawyer Milton Engelbrecht, instructed by Kadhila Amoomo, represented Nauyoma during his bail hearing. Public prosecutor Tatelo Lusepani represented the state.