Teen’s testimony unravels Kairiri murder plot

In a dramatic twist in the unfolding murder case of 17-year-old Paulus Kahili, a third teenager has come forward before a traditional court to admit his involvement in the fatal stabbing that took place in Rundu’s industrial area on 14 March.However, the case took a turn when 16-year-old John Mbango (not his real name), who was initially thought to be a bystander, was summoned to appear before the traditional authority for the third time this week.Standing before the headwoman and a panel of elders, the boy broke his silence: “My friend had the phone when we were approached by the two suspects. One of them grabbed him from behind while the other stabbed him in the chest. I ran away when it happened, but I saw it all.”Mbango admitted to lying during his previous appearances, including to the police. He also confessed that the blue schoolbag found at the scene – which he had denied owning – was in fact his, even bearing his name. “I was scared. Social media and people in my community were accusing me of killing my friend. I didn’t want to attend the burial because I felt guilty. He was my close friend, and it hurt to lie to adults.”The boy tearfully recounted the last moments of Kahili’s life, describing how he collapsed to his knees and cried out “nane, nane” (mother, mother) before taking his last breath.Pressed by the headwoman as to why he had kept silent, he said: “I didn’t want people to see me as a criminal. I didn’t come to the first session because I was told only guardians were allowed.”The emotional testimony comes as details also emerged from Joackim Kanyanga’s mother, who stated she reported her own son to the police after he confessed to her. According to her, Joackim was lured into the situation by Asake, who had previously been linked to another stabbing incident. She recounted how Asake’s aunt gave her son N$10 to wait at a local service station, setting the events of that day in motion.“My son told me that Kaka [Asake] asked him to wait while he went to the bushes, but instead they approached Paulus and his friend. My son greeted the boys because he knew one of them, Mbango. Moments later, Kaka followed Paulus and stabbed him. The blood sprayed on his shirt.”The distraught mother said her son was manipulated and “made a toy” by Asake, who allegedly took the cellphone and used the schoolbag to cover the blood on his shirt. She said that after her son confessed, she reported it to the police and informed a traditional council member.However, her actions drew backlash from Asake’s family. “His brother came to our house, insulted us, and even threatened to kill us. He said ‘how dare you report my laitie (younger brother)?’”The feud between the two families has since deepened.In a telephonic interview, Kavango East deputy commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu clarified the role of traditional courts in such matters. “The traditional authority can only question and record such proceedings. They have no legal mandate to try murder cases,” he said. “But such records can later be used as mitigation during formal court trials, especially if restitution or community support was offered to the bereaved family.”He stressed that no one is to be tried twice for the same offence but acknowledged the importance of community engagement in handling grief and accountability.Kahili, a Grade 8 learner at Sikanduko Combined School, was ambushed and killed in broad daylight, reportedly by two assailants who stabbed him in the chest and robbed him of his cellphone and schoolbag. The suspects, Mario John Asake (18) and Kanyanga Joackim (17), were arrested shortly after the incident and have since been remanded in custody pending their next court appearance on 13 May.

Teen’s testimony unravels Kairiri murder plot

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Allgemeine Zeitung 2025-04-25

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Teen’s testimony unravels Kairiri murder plot

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Allgemeine Zeitung 2025-04-25

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