Brazilian doctor’s case postponed to May
A Brazilian doctor who faces charges of culpable homicide and reckless driving in Namibia had his case postponed until 22 May for further investigation during a court appearance late last year.
Dr Luis Charles Araujo de Sá (59) was the sole survivor of the accident that claimed the life of his wife, Dr Natale Gontijo-de-Amorim, as well as eight Namibians, in mid-2024.
He was charged with culpable homicide and reckless, negligent or careless driving after he allegedly tried to overtake another vehicle and crashed into a seven-seater vehicle, killing its eight occupants.
Doreen Lyambo from the law firm Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys confirmed to Network Media Hub (NMH) on Monday that De Sá appeared as scheduled in the Otavi Magistrate's Court on 6 December 2024.
Following the crash, magistrate Ounjandere Ndjiharine granted him bail of N$150 000 and ordered him to remain in Namibia until his case is concluded.
However, as part of his bail conditions, Ndjiharine informed De Sá that he could travel abroad for medical reasons, provided he submits details to the Namibian Police.
Concerns
This condition, however, has been criticised by the families of the Namibian victims, who claim that De Sá could easily flee the country to avoid prosecution.
In September last year, and prior to his court appearance on 6 December, neither his legal representative nor the police in Otavi provided NMH would disclose details of De Sá's whereabouts.
However, Lyambo later confirmed after the December court appearance that he had left the country again but did not provide details of his destination.
When asked if De Sá was still in Namibia, Lyambo said: "My client will return for his next appearance."
The state is represented by prosecutor Elana Doeses.
[email protected]
Dr Luis Charles Araujo de Sá (59) was the sole survivor of the accident that claimed the life of his wife, Dr Natale Gontijo-de-Amorim, as well as eight Namibians, in mid-2024.
He was charged with culpable homicide and reckless, negligent or careless driving after he allegedly tried to overtake another vehicle and crashed into a seven-seater vehicle, killing its eight occupants.
Doreen Lyambo from the law firm Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys confirmed to Network Media Hub (NMH) on Monday that De Sá appeared as scheduled in the Otavi Magistrate's Court on 6 December 2024.
Following the crash, magistrate Ounjandere Ndjiharine granted him bail of N$150 000 and ordered him to remain in Namibia until his case is concluded.
However, as part of his bail conditions, Ndjiharine informed De Sá that he could travel abroad for medical reasons, provided he submits details to the Namibian Police.
Concerns
This condition, however, has been criticised by the families of the Namibian victims, who claim that De Sá could easily flee the country to avoid prosecution.
In September last year, and prior to his court appearance on 6 December, neither his legal representative nor the police in Otavi provided NMH would disclose details of De Sá's whereabouts.
However, Lyambo later confirmed after the December court appearance that he had left the country again but did not provide details of his destination.
When asked if De Sá was still in Namibia, Lyambo said: "My client will return for his next appearance."
The state is represented by prosecutor Elana Doeses.
[email protected]
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