JUST IN: Americans plan to appeal

Although American nationals Marcus Thomas and Kevan Townsend appeared in the Windhoek High Court this morning for an application for leave to appeal hearing - to be able to appeal their sentences and convictions in the Supreme Court - the case was postponed until January.

Thomas' legal representative withdrew from the case today and the matter was adjourned to give Thomas the opportunity to find a new representative. He indicated that he wanted to hire a private attorney.

The men were found guilty of the murder of André Heckmair, which took place in Windhoek in January 2011. Thomas was sentenced to 30 years in prison and Townsend to 29 years.