Magistrate Wilka Amalwa has granted bail of N$10,000 to Rehoboth drug accused Naomi Fisch

Fisch was warned not to interfere with police investigations and not to leave the Rehoboth district without written permission from the investigating officer.

Delivering judgement in the Rehoboth Magistrate’s Court, Amalwa said bail is not an entitlement. 

She noted that the State proved a serious offence was committed, but it did not show that the evidence was strong against Fisch. 

The investigating officer could not fully link Fisch to the alleged crime or provide details on property claimed to have been earned through illegal activity.

Amalwa stressed that the court does not make rulings based on public opinion but on evidence presented in court.

She said allegations of drug dealing and money laundering are at the core of the community, and courts must handle such matters carefully. 

The magistrate added that drugs are affecting the Rehoboth community and the nation and that the presence of a large crowd during the bail proceedings is a signal that justice must be seen to be done.

Amalwa cautioned against keeping accused persons in continued detention, noting that it could amount to anticipatory sentencing.