Staff Reporter
A group of Mariental residents recently gathered at the Mariental Magistrate’s Court to submit a petition, demanding answers regarding the initial bail release of murder suspect Jackson Arikumbi, who allegedly murdered a second woman while out on bail.
Their protest comes a few days after Arikumbi allegedly murdered Valerie Rooi while out on bail in connection with the 2024 murder of Chriszelda Kawari.
“The residents are concerned that Jackson Arikumbi, who is accused of Rooi’s murder, was released on bail just ten days before the incident. He had previously been charged in connection with the 2024 murder of Chriszelda Kawari,” the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology’s (MICT) Hardap Regional Office revealed.
DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY: Scenes from the protest. Photos: MICT Hardap Regional Office.
According to the MICT Hardap Regional Office, the petition called for an investigation into the handling of the initial bail application, the sharing of information between investigating officers and prosecutors, and the consideration of public safety risks in serious criminal cases.
“They also raised concerns about police investigative capacity, staffing and the availability of operational vehicles in the Hardap Region,” MICT Hardap Regional Office added.
The MICT Hardap Regional Office confirmed that the petition was handed over to the Mariental Magistrate’s Court and Hardap Regional Police Commander, Sydney Philander.
According to the Namibian Police (NamPol), Arikumbi fled the scene following Rooi’s murder. NamPol has appealed to the public for assistance in locating him.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Deputy Commissioner Kotungondo at +264 81 208 4060 or Senior Inspector Boois at 081 259 8664.
