Man pleads not guilty to girlfriend’s murder

WINDOEK, 08 JAN (NAMPA)- Wentzel Maasdorp, the man accused of killing his girlfriend and tying her up in her apartment in Windhoek in April 2024 pleaded not guilty in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, when he lodged a formal bail application.

Wentzel Maasdorp (40) allegedly murdered 40-year-old Delia Weimers-Maasdorp on 25 April 2024. Her cellphone, vehicle and television were also allegedly stolen by Wentzel, court documents indicate.

Maasdorp, who is represented by Samuel Shinedima, while presenting his evidence-in-Chief, said the murder was accidental. According to him, an argument erupted between him and the deceased, after he arrived from work.

He further testified that the deceased was drinking alcohol on the day in question.

“I confronted her about her alcohol problem because she was drinking behind my back,” he told presiding Magistrate Monica Andjaba.

The state Prosecutor, Eric Naikaku, however revealed that Wentzel himself had a cocaine addiction for which he had been in and out of rehabilitation facilities.

Wentzel did not deny the addiction.

Naikaku objected to the granting of bail, citing the seriousness of the offense, the interest of the public and the fear of abscondment by the accuseed.

Wentzel said he was employed as a Tow-truck driver and earned a commissioned salary. A father of three minor children and one adult child, he testified that his children depend on him.

Wentzel also informed the court that after the incident, he was left in state of confusion and drove to Mariental.

“I just drove to Mariental, bought a drink and drove back to Windhoek. I was confused,” he said.

He also informed the court that he subsequently drove to Katima Mulilo to visit his friends with the deceased's vehicle. According to him, the vehicle broke down in Rundu and he hitchhiked back to Windhoek.

Prosecutor Naikaku however argued that Wentzel’s true intentions were to flee the country after having murdered the deceased.

The matter has since been postponed to Thursday morning.

The State is expected to present new evidence relating to the deceased's journal, which has information regarding the couple’s relationship.
(NAMPA)
EB/HP