The seven accused in a murder case linked to a grazing land dispute at Otjase village made their first appearance today in the Okakarara Magistrate's Court today, where they were denied bail.
Friends and family of the two murder victims took to the streets in Okakarara, opposing bail for the seven accused in connection with the deaths of two men at Otjase village on October 27.
The accused allegedly assaulted the victims with unknown objects, striking them on the head and other parts of their bodies, resulting in their deaths.
The deceased have been identified as 48-year-old Mandume Musengua and 40-year-old Maximilian Katjimune.
"We respectfully ask the prosecutor to place verified and relevant evidence before the court to oppose bail on statutory and relevant grounds, justify the opposition, request appropriate witness protection and no-contact measures, and request that bail be denied in the interest of justice," expressed the petition reader.
The community handed its petition to Public Prosecutor Nguvitjita Mujoro, who said, "We will deal with the matter formally in court. Those who witnessed it in the gallery will be accordingly informed as to what transpired in the court."
Among the accused are 64-year-old Nahason Kavezepa and his two sons, 22-year-old Tjimamutja Kavezepa and 20-year-old Mutjise Kavezepa.
Another accused, 61-year-old Uetuuaneka Kasume, is also linked to the Kavezepa family.
The other accused are 66-year-old Isaskar Zamunu, the father of 26-year-old Bravo Zamunu, and 56-year-old Libertine Kaundje, who is a teacher by profession.
All seven accused face two counts of murder and a charge of conspiracy to commit a crime.
The two female accused also face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following an alleged assault on Immanuel Uaripi.
The matter was postponed to January 18, 2027, for further investigations. A formal bail application by their defence lawyer, Tommy Andima, is scheduled for November 10, 11 and 12, 2026.
Magistrate Abel Sankwasa presided over the case.
The community also marched to the Kambazembi Traditional Authority's royal residence, where they handed a petition to Chief Sam Kambazembi, raising concerns over longstanding land disputes and what it described as a lack of action.
"Thank you for the concerns that you raised in the petition. I got it; I read and heard what you are requesting. You also mentioned that you want feedback in writing. I'll do just that," responded Ombara Kambazembi.