Maree stays behind bars

KRISTIEN KRUGERWINDHOEK“If he is found guilty of these serious offences, he will most likely be sentenced to a long-term prison sentence. The fact that the State has a strong case against him and the possibility of a severe sentence contribute to the probability that he will abscond.”This is what Magistrate Celma Amadhila said in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court on Friday when she ruled that Johann Maree and his lawyer, Eva Nangolo, had failed to convince the court that it would be in the interest of justice or the public if he was released on bail.The formal bail application of the alleged paedophile, who is accused of abusing and raping underage boys in Windhoek for pornographic purposes and allegedly distributing the footage internationally on the dark web, was rejected.In her ruling, Amadhila referred to a petition signed by some 1 700 people, as well as a protest by parents of the victims and members of the public during court proceedings."It is clear from the evidence that the public wants him to remain in custody. His release could cause fears of a repeat of the offences among the victims, their parents and the public," she said.ConfessionMaree testified at the beginning of the trial and was, during cross-examination by state prosecutor Like Phelem, confronted with a confession he had made.In the confession, he admitted that he was attracted to underage boys and that he was addicted to pornography.He also mentioned some of the victims by name and said exactly what he did with each victim.Amadhila pointed out in her ruling that during cross-examination, Maree chose to exercise his right to silence and did not comment on the content of the confession."Maree only came up with the story the next day that members of the police had threatened him to make the confession.“It seems to me that the explanation was a reflection. One would expect him to address this in his testimony if that were the case," Amadhila said.Amadhila agreed with the State that Maree might interfere with the investigation or jump bail.Serious chargesMaree will remain in custody at the Seeis detention cells until his next court appearance on January 17.He is facing eight charges of rape, eight counts of indecent assault, eight counts of immoral acts with minors, eight counts of violating the law on the prevention of organised crime and eight counts of violating the law on the protection of children.

Maree stays behind bars

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Maree stays behind bars

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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