Doctor denied bail in ex-lover's shooting ...family allegedly offers victim N$50 000 to drop charges
The Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court denied bail yesterday to a trainee doctor accused of shooting at his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend in Oluno in September.
During court proceedings, it was also alleged that the family of the accused reportedly offered N$50 000 to the man’s former girlfriend to drop the attempted murder charges against him.
Hofni Natangwe Inkono (39), a medical intern at Windhoek Central Hospital, appeared on charges of attempted murder read with the provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act 4 of 2003; attempted murder; malicious damage to property read with the provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act 4 of 2003 and negligent discharge or placement of a firearm.
In an apparent fit of jealousy, Inkono allegedly shot at his ex-girlfriend Sofia Ndashe and her lover, Peter Iitula, while the two were inside Ndashe’s flat.
Ndashe, a 29-year-old nursing student, testified to a volatile five-year relationship with Inkono, marked by episodes of alleged emotional abuse. Their relationship ended in August of this year.
No injuries
State prosecutor Wisdom Ndakondja opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offences and the potential for the accused to interfere with State witnesses. He also argued that granting Inkono bail would not be in the public interest and could undermine confidence in the administration of justice.
Magistrate Nelao Ya France denied bail to the accused and postponed the case to 25 March 2025 for further police investigations.
Inkono was represented by lawyer Slogan Matheus.
According to a September police report, Inkono allegedly went to the flat where his ex-girlfriend was renting and began knocking at the door, insisting that she open it. She refused, as she was with her new boyfriend. "The suspect took a pistol and started shooting at the new boyfriend’s vehicle, which was parked in front of the flats," police said.
Six bullet holes were observed at the scene, the car's passenger windows were damaged, and 12 spent cartridges were found at the scene. No one was injured in the shooting.
His version
In the summary of evidence presented to court this week, Inkono emphasised his responsibility towards his two minor children, who live with his parents when they are not at boarding school.
In his bail application, he argued that continued detention would have personal consequences and affect his employment as a medical intern if he cannot report to work within 30 days. He said this would significantly hinder his ability to support his family.
Regarding the events leading to his arrest, Inkono described an encounter with Ndashe at a local lounge in Ondangwa, saying Ndashe approached him, touched his chest and made flirtatious remarks. When he went to the bathroom, Ndashe allegedly followed and pulled his arm, prompting him to confront her about past issues in their relationship.
“He stated that she subsequently invited him to her flat to discuss the matter further. Upon arriving at Ndashe's residence and seeing her with Iitula, [Inkono] admitted to breaking two windows in frustration and shooting at Iitula's vehicle,” the court documents read in part.
Bribery allegations
Ndashe’s version of events is that Inkono followed her persistently at Classic Lounge, attempting to engage her in conversation. After leaving with Iitula, Inkono allegedly appeared at her flat, knocked aggressively on the windows and door, and, upon receiving no response, broke two windows.
Ndashe testified that she heard gunshots, one of which struck her kitchen and the vehicle outside, prompting her and Iitula to hide in fear.
Ndashe also testified that family members of Inkono allegedly attempted to offer her N$50 000 to withdraw the case.
Inkono denied his involvement in any attempts by family members to influence the complainant to withdraw the case, though he did not dispute the allegations that his family members offered the money.
His lawyer argued that Inkono poses no flight risk or threat to witnesses and that stringent bail conditions would address any concerns raised by the State.
Inkono informed the court that Ndashe has applied for an interim protection order, which he intends to respect. This order legally prohibits him from contacting or approaching her.
During court proceedings, it was also alleged that the family of the accused reportedly offered N$50 000 to the man’s former girlfriend to drop the attempted murder charges against him.
Hofni Natangwe Inkono (39), a medical intern at Windhoek Central Hospital, appeared on charges of attempted murder read with the provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act 4 of 2003; attempted murder; malicious damage to property read with the provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act 4 of 2003 and negligent discharge or placement of a firearm.
In an apparent fit of jealousy, Inkono allegedly shot at his ex-girlfriend Sofia Ndashe and her lover, Peter Iitula, while the two were inside Ndashe’s flat.
Ndashe, a 29-year-old nursing student, testified to a volatile five-year relationship with Inkono, marked by episodes of alleged emotional abuse. Their relationship ended in August of this year.
No injuries
State prosecutor Wisdom Ndakondja opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offences and the potential for the accused to interfere with State witnesses. He also argued that granting Inkono bail would not be in the public interest and could undermine confidence in the administration of justice.
Magistrate Nelao Ya France denied bail to the accused and postponed the case to 25 March 2025 for further police investigations.
Inkono was represented by lawyer Slogan Matheus.
According to a September police report, Inkono allegedly went to the flat where his ex-girlfriend was renting and began knocking at the door, insisting that she open it. She refused, as she was with her new boyfriend. "The suspect took a pistol and started shooting at the new boyfriend’s vehicle, which was parked in front of the flats," police said.
Six bullet holes were observed at the scene, the car's passenger windows were damaged, and 12 spent cartridges were found at the scene. No one was injured in the shooting.
His version
In the summary of evidence presented to court this week, Inkono emphasised his responsibility towards his two minor children, who live with his parents when they are not at boarding school.
In his bail application, he argued that continued detention would have personal consequences and affect his employment as a medical intern if he cannot report to work within 30 days. He said this would significantly hinder his ability to support his family.
Regarding the events leading to his arrest, Inkono described an encounter with Ndashe at a local lounge in Ondangwa, saying Ndashe approached him, touched his chest and made flirtatious remarks. When he went to the bathroom, Ndashe allegedly followed and pulled his arm, prompting him to confront her about past issues in their relationship.
“He stated that she subsequently invited him to her flat to discuss the matter further. Upon arriving at Ndashe's residence and seeing her with Iitula, [Inkono] admitted to breaking two windows in frustration and shooting at Iitula's vehicle,” the court documents read in part.
Bribery allegations
Ndashe’s version of events is that Inkono followed her persistently at Classic Lounge, attempting to engage her in conversation. After leaving with Iitula, Inkono allegedly appeared at her flat, knocked aggressively on the windows and door, and, upon receiving no response, broke two windows.
Ndashe testified that she heard gunshots, one of which struck her kitchen and the vehicle outside, prompting her and Iitula to hide in fear.
Ndashe also testified that family members of Inkono allegedly attempted to offer her N$50 000 to withdraw the case.
Inkono denied his involvement in any attempts by family members to influence the complainant to withdraw the case, though he did not dispute the allegations that his family members offered the money.
His lawyer argued that Inkono poses no flight risk or threat to witnesses and that stringent bail conditions would address any concerns raised by the State.
Inkono informed the court that Ndashe has applied for an interim protection order, which he intends to respect. This order legally prohibits him from contacting or approaching her.
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