Local businessman denies killing young woman

WINDHOEK, 16 MAY  – A Katutura businessman who stands accused of shooting and killing a woman at a bar in Katutura in April 2013, on Wednesday denied any involvement in the matter.
The prominent Windhoek-based businessman, Sakaria ‘Sacky’ Mathias entered not guilty pleas to charges of murder; attempted murder; pointing a firearm to State witness, David Nelongo; illegal possession of a firearm without a licence; illegal possession of ammunition (without a licensed firearm to use them) and attempting to defeat or frustrate the course of justice when he allegedly threw away the weapon used during the incident that resulted in the death of the young woman.
Mathias, through his State-funded defence lawyer Trevor Brockerhoff, handed in a statement in terms of Section 115 of the Criminal Procedures Act of 1977 in which he denied guilt and challenged the prosecution to prove each and every element of the allegations contained in the indictment.
A summary of substantial facts contained in the charge sheet has it that Mathias allegedly shot and killed the 24-year-old Charmain Fredericks.
Mathias allegedly shot and killed the woman out of jealousy after he found her in the company of other men in the vicinity of the bar.
It is alleged that Mathias and the deceased were in a romantic relationship at the time of the incident.
The businessman is free on bail of N$10 000 and his bail was on Wednesday extended until Thursday for the continuation of the trial.
State Advocate Palmer Khumalo appeared for the prosecution.
NAMPA