Keetmanshoop Man Denied Bail in Berseba Stabbing Case

KEETMANSHOOP: A 35-year-old man, Patrick Coetzee, accused of fatally stabbing a 31-year-old in Berseba over the weekend, was denied bail in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The decision was made during his first court appearance since the incident.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the denial of bail was due to the police investigation still being in its early stages, and there was concern that Coetzee might interfere with State witnesses. The magistrate postponed the case to 02 February 2024, allowing time for further police investigations and for Coetzee to secure legal representation.

Coetzee informed the court of his intention to engage a private lawyer, while Elyza Mucheka represented the State. Magistrate Konjore advised Coetzee that he should submit a formal bail application if he seeks release on bail. Until his next court appearance, the accused has been remanded in custody at the Tses police holding cells.

The fatal stabbing incident occurred around 03h14 on Saturday morning in the southern village. Chief Inspector Theodore Kotungondo, the acting crime investigations coordinator for ||Kharas region of the Namibian Police Force, reported that Coetzee allegedly stabbed Ralph Steven Karolus once in the chest with a knife, leading to Karolus’ death at the scene.

The altercation between Coetzee and Karolus reportedly arose while the two were drinking together. An insult from the deceased towards the accused is said to have led to the dispute which ultimately resulted in the fatal stabbing.