Five accused out of the 11 suspects arrested over the alleged assault of a 58-year-old male teacher during a land dispute appeared before Magistrate Laina Namboga at the Katima Mulilo Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.

They were granted bail of N$2,000 each.

This follows an incident on Sunday 18 January, where a 58-year-old male teacher is both a suspect and complainant.

According to the police report, the 58-year-old initially pointed a firearm at 39-year-old Simon Ikosa at a ploughing site in the Kanono area, threatening to shoot him if he runs.

About an hour later, Simon Ikosa came back to the ploughing site in the company of 10 family members, who then assaulted the 58-year-old.

Resulting in a broken jaw, dislocated teeth, a swollen left eye and little finger, as well as chest, head and back pains.

The 10 family members, including Simon Ikosa, were then arrested, and cases were opened by both the 58-year-old teacher and Simon Ikosa against each other.

According to the court record, there was no sufficient evidence linking the other six to the charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm at this stage.

The five accused, Shylock Muituti, Machaba Ikosa, Samuel Kepa, Victor Mubusisi and Simon Ikosa, all pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the case was remanded to 11 March for legal representation and further investigations. All accused opted to solicit the aid of a private lawyer.

The 58-year-old suspect is still admitted at the Katima Mulilo State Hospital in a stable condition and under police guard.