Ondangwa: A 59-year-old resident of Likokola village in the Oshikoto Region, Sinskus Johannes, was denied bail on Monday during his initial appearance in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court for charges ranging from murder to attempted murder.

According to Namibia Press Agency, State Prosecutor Yeukai Kangira successfully opposed bail, citing the gravity of the charges. Magistrate Nelao Ya-Frans remanded Johannes in custody and postponed the matter to 18 June 2026 to allow for further police investigations and to give the accused an opportunity to apply for legal aid.

Johannes faces four serious charges arising from an incident on Friday, during which he allegedly fatally shot Sam Nepando, the headman of Onelago village who was serving as deputy headman during the proceedings, and attempted to kill I-Ben Nashandi, the headman of Likokola village and Executive Director of the National Planning Commission.

The additional charges include discharging a firearm in a public place and obstructing the ends of justice, the latter relating to allegations that Johannes concealed the pistol used in the offence in nearby bushland.

'The matter is premature for bail consideration due to the seriousness of the offences,' Kangira argued before the court. He further emphasised that releasing the accused at this stage would undermine public interest and the proper administration of justice.