Eba Kandovazu
THE Windhoek Central Prison Deputy Commissioner Manfred Jatamunua today testified in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court that Mike Nghipunya, the suspended Fishcor CEO, has nothing to worry about when it comes to the COVID-19 global pandemic as measures have been put in place at the prisons, and in his single cell.
Jatamunua was testifying at Nghipunya’s bail application in response to the Fishrot implicated suspect’s fears of contracting the virus while incarcerated.
According to Jatamunua, Nghipunya is currently held at the facility’s section C, which accommodates a total 34 trial-waiting prisoners, each in their own cell.
Currently, 11 prisoners are held in this section, of which Nghipunya is one of them.
“Nghipunya has no trouble in terms of social distancing. He has his own cell and does not sleep in it with anyone else. We have put strict measures in place such as the screening of visitors, the checking of travel history and possible health conditions associated to COVID-19. We have also made it a priority to disinfect people’s feet and we have handwashing stations positioned at the facility. Our measures are designed to prevent the virus from entering our premises at all cost,” Jatamunua said.
He also added that items from outside have been barred and that a shop has been opened for prisoners to buy items from within the facility.
Nghipunya, who is currently a Masters’ student with the Liverpool University, submitted through his legal representative Thabang Phatela, on instructions of Milton Engelbrecht, that his Visa to travel to European countries has expired although his national passport is valid.
Jatamunua testified that a provision is made for students who are studying at Universities to utilise the computers at the facility or request to use their own outside the cells, but that Nghipunya has not made any requests pertaining to his studies.
Internet services, according to him, are also provided for inmate students for research and online learning purposes.
“The only request from him was with regard to supplement tablets to keep him fit as he is a person who exercises,” Jatamunua added.
The investigating officer in the Fishrot matter, Willem Olivier, today told Magistrate Ingrid Unengu that Nghipunya in March approached Old Mutual to release his investments.
This, according to Olivier, was done while he was in custody.
Nghipunya’s lawyer, however, clapped back, saying that with no support or documentation from Old Mutual, Olivier’s claims are baseless.
“Your allegations have no support and you are untruthful. You were trying your best to win the case but you will not be believed,” Phatela said to Olivier.
State Advocate Ed Marondedze is representing the state in the matter.
Final submissions will be made on 16 June at 11:00.
