Pastor accused of raping minor children at Osire denied bail

OTJIWARONGO, 31 JULY – A 40-year-old pastor at Osire Refugee settlement in the Otjozondjupa Region accused of raping two minor girls there since March this year, was denied bail in the Otjiwarongo Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Kyoni Ngwezia appeared before Otjiwarongo Magistrate Eduard Kesslau on charges of rape of the two siblings aged 10 and 12, allegedly between March and 22 July this year.
Kesslau explained the accused’s legal right to engage a private lawyer of his choice; apply for a State-funded lawyer through the Ministry of Justice’s Legal Aid Directorate; or defending himself in court.
Ngwezia opted to apply for a State-funded lawyer.
Public prosecutor Anna Amukugo, who represented the State in the matter, strongly objected to the granting of bail to the accused saying he is a foreign national (Congolese) facing a serious offence.
Ngwezia was then remanded in custody and his case postponed to 29 October 2018 for further police investigations and to allow him acquire legal representation.
Spokesperson of the Namibian Police Force in the region, Warrant Officer Maureen Mbeha earlier told Nampa that Ngwezia was arrested on Friday at Osire after the two children revealed to their mother that he had been having sexual intercourse with them and offered money in return.
“Their mother then reported the matter to the police that led to interrogations, and finally his arrest,” Mbeha said.
Osire is situated about 120 kilometres south-east of Otjiwarongo.
NAMPA