Alleged Henning Crusher killer wants to go home to wife, kids

After spending the weekend in police custody, Tuutileni Mika, who allegedly shot and killed one of his bosses and critically injured another, stunned the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court when he asked for bail to go home to be with his wife and children, whom he said are dependent on him.

Mika (49) worked as a cleaner at Henning Crusher in Ondangwa. He allegedly shot John Myburgh (43), who died on the spot, and Johan Richter (44), who was admitted to the Ondangwa Private Hospital in critical condition. The latter allegedly suffered a bullet wound through his left eye into his head.

The two victims were employed as production and mechanical managers respectively at Henning Crusher at the town.

Mika, who faces charges of murder, attempted murder, theft of a bicycle, assault by threat and discharging a firearm in a municipal area, has been denied bail. He appeared before Magistrate Nelao Ya France, who postponed the matter to 10 March 2025 for further investigations and to allow the accused to apply for legal representation.

Dressed in a white and blue striped short-sleeved shirt and khaki shorts, Mika raised his hand to address the court through an Oshiwambo-speaking interpreter.

“I need to get bail to go home. My wife and children [will suffer] if I am kept in jail because I am the breadwinner at home,” he said, in full view of some of his children who attended the proceedings.

Ya France reiterated her earlier statement that state prosecutor Wisdom Ndakondja opposed the granting of bail due to the seriousness of the crime and that it will not be in public interest to release him.

She also informed Mika of his right to apply for legal representation. He indicated that he will acquire a private lawyer.



‘Give me my money’

In an audio recording obtained by Namibian Sun, which reportedly captures a heated argument between Mika and one of the bosses that he eventually shot, the accused is heard demanding his final payment after he had just been fired for alleged misconduct.

Mika is heard saying he wants his money so he can go, but his boss kept telling him to ‘calm down’ and stop swearing. “White people are f**king black people around in this company. Why must I beg you for my money, just give my money so I can go,” he remarked, angrily.

It is understood that the shooting followed shortly after the emotive confrontation. The origin of the recording could, however, not be confirmed.

Oshana police regional commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, said Mika was transferred from the Tsumeb branch to Ondangwa in 2020 due to alleged misconduct at the workplace.

He allegedly continued to commit further misconduct at Henning Crusher in Ondangwa on multiple occasions and was due to sign a final warning and be dismissed on Friday.

Sakaria said Mika was called to the office to sign his dismissal documents, but refused and left the premises. Shortly after, he allegedly returned with a pistol, firing the first shot at Myburgh and the second at Richter.

Mika took Myburgh’s bicycle and rode to the Ondangwa police station, where he reported the incident and handed himself over.



Support from colleagues

A number of Mika’s family members were present in court. Two of his colleagues from Henning Crusher said they applied for leave to attend court because they believe their colleague is innocent, and that there are too many unresolved issues at the company.

Shilondelwa Henga (55), who has been a truck operator at Henning Crusher for 13 years, said the accused was threatening to shoot a third person on Friday, but the gun ran out of bullets. The assault by threat charge is said to have emanated from this scenario.

Henning Crusher told Namibian Sun yesterday that the company will issue a statement when it is ready to speak to the media.