'It was not me'

'It was not me' KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU



Former Swapo Rundu Rural constituency councillor and National Council member Michael Shikongo, who stands accused of assaulting his cousin, has pleaded not guilty in the Rundu Magistrate's Court.

Shikongo said in a statement read on his behalf by lawyer, Thomas Appolus, that he was present when the complainant, Kristine Tjarura Likakatere (63), sustained injuries to the face and chest on 24 June 2020. But he claims that the assault was committed by the victim's “mentally challenged” son.

The incident happened at Tyeye village in Kavango East Region.

Shikongo admitted that there was an altercation between him and the victim over a piece of land which he had inherited. He testified that the complainant's son joined the conversation, which erupted into an argument between mother and son.

Shikongo said he tried to intervene when the son picked up a stick and threatened his mother, but he was overpowered and unable to protect the victim.



Different version

When the complainant took the stand, she was adamant that it was Shikongo who had assaulted her and not her son. She testified that Shikongo punched her in the face and kicked her in the chest until she coughed up blood. When asked if she had any intention to lie to the court, Likakatere said she would not falsely accuse Shikongo as she was one of the people who raised him. The trial continues. Shikongo's case was struck from the court roll last October after his lawyer persuaded the State that the complainant was unfit to stand trial and that a witness statement was mere hearsay.

Days later, the Office of the Prosecutor-General ordered the matter to be placed back on the roll.

Shikongo was granted bail of N$3 000 last year.

kenya@namibiansun.com