Eba Kandovazu
THE trial of a man accused of sodomising young boys at a hostel he worked at as a hostel superintendent has been postponed to this week.
Mervin Nguyapeua, 48, was scheduled to appear on Friday for the continuation of trial, but a witness, one of the victims, was not comfortable testifying in full view of Nguyapeua.
Nguyapeua is accused of raping ten boys at a primary school in Otjiwarongo where he also worked as a cleaner and cook. He faces 32 charges of rape and alternative charges of committing a sexual act with a child under the age of 16.
The incidences occurred between 2013 and 2016.
The state prosecutor informed Judge Alfred Siboleka that the witness only informed her that he could not continue with his testimony in front of the suspect at short notice, therefore arrangements for a victim friendly court were not made.
“The necessary arrangement could not be made at the spur of the moment, therefore the matter adjourns until 11 June,” the judge ordered.
The matter will as a result appear in a court hall with screen facilities. The suspect was regarded as a ‘hostel father’ by the children, whom he allegedly lured to his room and enticed by making them watch pornographic videos and images.
