Maria David
TUUTILENI Mika, a 49-year-old man employed by Henning Crushers, who is accused of shooting and killing his manager, was remanded in custody after making his first court appearance at Ondangwa on Monday.
Mika, who faces charges of murder, attempted murder, theft, assault by threat, and discharging a firearm in a municipal area, has been denied bail.
The accused appeared before Magistrate Nelao yaFrance, who postponed the matter to 10 March 2025 for further investigation and legal aid.
Mika pleaded for bail, adding that he is the breadwinner and that his wife and children are suffering in his absence.
However, yaFrance indicated that bail was denied due to the seriousness of the crime and in the public interest. She also informed Mika of his right to apply for legal aid.
Mika allegedly shot and killed 43-year-old John Myburgh and injured 44-year-old Johan Richter on Friday afternoon.
According to Oshana NamPol Regional Commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, the two victims were employed as Production and Mechanical Managers at Henning Crushers in Ondangwa.
“The suspect was transferred from Tsumeb Henning Crushers to Ondangwa Henning Crushers in 2020 due to alleged misconduct at the workplace. He allegedly continued to commit further misconduct at Henning Crushers in Ondangwa on multiple occasions and was due to sign a final warning and be dismissed on Friday,” he said.
Sakaria added that the suspect was called to the office at the time of the incident to sign his dismissal documents, but he refused and left the premises.
Shortly after, the suspect allegedly returned to the office with a pistol in hand, firing the first shot at the deceased and the second shot at the second victim.
Myburgh was shot dead on the spot, while Richter was rushed to Ondangwa Private Hospital and is in the Intensive Care Unit with a gunshot wound to the head. He remains in critical condition.
“The suspect took the deceased’s bicycle and rode to Ondangwa Police Station, where he reported the incident and handed himself over,” Sakaria said.
The State was represented by prosecutor Wisdom Ndakondja.
