Kazeurua’s killers found guilty 12 years later
In a long-anticipated verdict, acting judge Alfred Siboleka yesterday found Stockley Kauejao, Matheu Kakururume and Muvare Kaporo guilty in connection with the 2012 murder of renowned stock theft investigator Wilfred ‘Major’ Kazeurua.
In addition to the murder conviction, the three men and a fourth accused, Afas Kamutjemo, were also found guilty on lesser charges of stock theft and obstructing the course of justice.
Judge Siboleka ordered that Kamutjemo be remanded at the Windhoek Correctional Facility, revoking his N$10 000 bail, pending sentencing.
The judgment was delivered in a subdued Windhoek High Court courtroom on Monday, filled with family members and friends of both the accused and the victim.
Despite the gravity of the moment, there was little visible emotion as the judge delivered his verdict.
The 12-year delay in bringing the case to a conclusion has been attributed to repeated changes in legal representation. At one point, Kauejao’s defence lawyer withdrew from the matter, causing further delays as new counsel had to be appointed and familiarised with the case.
Kauejao also filed three bail applications over the years and submitted multiple applications to have the presiding judge recused. The trial was additionally slowed by trial-within-a-trial proceedings and difficulties in locating key witnesses – factors which cumulatively stretched the process over more than a decade.
A life cut short
Kazeurua, a respected and seasoned stock theft investigator, vanished in December 2012 while tracing stolen cattle in the Kalahari constituency. His disappearance prompted a widespread search. On 7 January 2013, his partially burnt body was found buried in an aardvark burrow – a grim and tragic discovery that stunned the agricultural community.
In his ruling, Siboleka said he was convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that Kauejao had orchestrated the cattle theft and instructed Kaporo and Kakururume to steal 15 head of cattle from a farm in the Gobabis district. That scheme, the court found, ultimately led to the murder of Kazeurua.
In addition to the murder conviction, the three men and a fourth accused, Afas Kamutjemo, were also found guilty on lesser charges of stock theft and obstructing the course of justice.
Judge Siboleka ordered that Kamutjemo be remanded at the Windhoek Correctional Facility, revoking his N$10 000 bail, pending sentencing.
The judgment was delivered in a subdued Windhoek High Court courtroom on Monday, filled with family members and friends of both the accused and the victim.
Despite the gravity of the moment, there was little visible emotion as the judge delivered his verdict.
The 12-year delay in bringing the case to a conclusion has been attributed to repeated changes in legal representation. At one point, Kauejao’s defence lawyer withdrew from the matter, causing further delays as new counsel had to be appointed and familiarised with the case.
Kauejao also filed three bail applications over the years and submitted multiple applications to have the presiding judge recused. The trial was additionally slowed by trial-within-a-trial proceedings and difficulties in locating key witnesses – factors which cumulatively stretched the process over more than a decade.
A life cut short
Kazeurua, a respected and seasoned stock theft investigator, vanished in December 2012 while tracing stolen cattle in the Kalahari constituency. His disappearance prompted a widespread search. On 7 January 2013, his partially burnt body was found buried in an aardvark burrow – a grim and tragic discovery that stunned the agricultural community.
In his ruling, Siboleka said he was convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that Kauejao had orchestrated the cattle theft and instructed Kaporo and Kakururume to steal 15 head of cattle from a farm in the Gobabis district. That scheme, the court found, ultimately led to the murder of Kazeurua.
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