A young man accused of damaging a government-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicle with a stone in Windhoek on Sunday has previously been treated for a psychiatric condition.
Frans Narib (18) received treatment in a mental health facility in Windhoek after being diagnosed with cannabis-induced psychosis, medical records given to magistrate Mutafela Likando in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court yesterday show.
According to the records, Narib was put on a “drug holiday” from prescribed medication in July this year.
Narib is accused of damaging a Mercedes-Benz vehicle used by labour minister Utoni Nujoma while the car was parked in front of a pharmacy in the Windhoek city centre on Sunday.
A surveillance camera recording showed a shirtless person throwing a stone at the car’s rear window and windscreen, and pulling off the vehicle’s number plates.
According to a source at the scene of the incident the person was heard saying “Swapo se m*er” as he yanked off the car’s number plates.
During his court appearance yesterday, Narib told Likando he intends to plead guilty to the charge he is facing.
After the magistrate had been informed of his medical history, Narib added: “I also have anger issues and once I get angry, I can’t control myself.”
He further said he was “heartbroken” to see that his mother was saddened by his situation.
Public prosecutor Ndina Hamwele asked the magistrate to order that Narib should go through a period of psychiatric observation. Hamwele also said the state objects to the granting of bail to Narib at this stage.
Likando postponed the case to 15 November after making an order that Narib’s mental health should be evaluated by a psychiatrist.
She also noted that there is a long waiting list of people who should undergo psychiatric evaluation, and asked Hamwele to consider if Narib can be released into the care of his mother if he is not violent in nature.
Narib was advised that he has a right to apply to be granted bail as well.
He is being held in police custody.
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