A 24-year-old woman, Juventa Fredericks, charged with the alleged murder of a 70-year-old man, made her first appearance in Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Fredericks was arrested on Tuesday for reportedly stabbing the elderly man, Johannes Rooi, in an altercation.
According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), During the court proceedings, presided over by magistrate Unchen Konjore, Fredericks expressed her intention to seek legal representation through the Directorate of Legal Aid. The case has been postponed to 05 January 2024, allowing time for further police investigation and legal preparations. State representative Marlon Adams opposed bail due to the early stage of the investigation and potential interference with witnesses.
The magistrate informed Fredericks that she can file a formal bail application. For now, she remains in custody at the Keetmanshoop police holding cells until her next court appearance.
The incident occurred in Tseiblaagte residential area, where Rooi accused Fredericks of transferring money from his Nampost account using her grandmother’s cellphone. The argument escalated, leading to Rooi’s stabbing and subsequent death upon arrival at Keetmanshoop State Hospital. The police reported no known relationship between Fredericks and Rooi.