Rundu teen charged in Malaka's murder case
Nearly two years after the murder of 18-year-old Alpo Malaka Sipilikita, a 17-year-old boy has been summoned to face charges in the case. The incident, which shocked the Rundu community, occurred on 22 September 2023, at around 22:00 in Millennium Park.
The accused, Malakia Simuketa, appeared in the Rundu Magistrate's Court on Friday before Magistrate Selma Shiiga, who postponed the case to 4 March for a plea hearing.
Kavango East crime investigations coordinator, Bonifatius Kanyetu, confirmed that a thorough investigation into Simuketa’s involvement had been completed, and the docket was forwarded for a prosecution decision. The Prosecutor-General subsequently determined that Simuketa should be summoned to court.
Simuketa faces multiple charges, including murder, robbery, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. On the night of Sipilikita’s murder, Simuketa allegedly threatened and assaulted Annelie Costa by pointing a firearm at her and stealing her cellphone, valued at N$1,000. He is also accused of discarding both the stolen phone and the firearm used in the crimes to obstruct justice.
Community outcry and grief
The murder of Sipilikita, a Grade 10 learner, left the Rundu community reeling. Residents, loved ones, and classmates staged a protest last year, demanding justice and urging authorities to expedite the investigation.
Sipilikita’s father, Aloys Sipilikita, 60, has been vocal about his family’s pain and the loss of his son, who he described as a kind and promising young man.
Speaking to The Namibian last year, Aloys recounted how his son and a friend were walking home when they were accused of stealing a cellphone. When Alpo was unable to produce the phone, he was shot in the chest.
“I have never heard of my son being a thief at school or at home. Even his teachers described him as a good and kind person,” Aloys said.
The grieving father pleaded for justice. “I want the police to arrest the person who killed my son to ease my pain. How will I continue to live without him in my life? I know a lot of people have lost their children, but not in the same manner I lost my son. I cry day and night,” he said.
Community impact
Sipilikita was remembered as a vibrant young man who had dreams of becoming a doctor or engineer. His untimely death highlighted ongoing concerns about violence in the region, sparking calls for stronger community safety measures.
The case continues, with many hoping it will bring closure to Sipilikita’s family and justice for a life lost too soon.
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The accused, Malakia Simuketa, appeared in the Rundu Magistrate's Court on Friday before Magistrate Selma Shiiga, who postponed the case to 4 March for a plea hearing.
Kavango East crime investigations coordinator, Bonifatius Kanyetu, confirmed that a thorough investigation into Simuketa’s involvement had been completed, and the docket was forwarded for a prosecution decision. The Prosecutor-General subsequently determined that Simuketa should be summoned to court.
Simuketa faces multiple charges, including murder, robbery, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. On the night of Sipilikita’s murder, Simuketa allegedly threatened and assaulted Annelie Costa by pointing a firearm at her and stealing her cellphone, valued at N$1,000. He is also accused of discarding both the stolen phone and the firearm used in the crimes to obstruct justice.
Community outcry and grief
The murder of Sipilikita, a Grade 10 learner, left the Rundu community reeling. Residents, loved ones, and classmates staged a protest last year, demanding justice and urging authorities to expedite the investigation.
Sipilikita’s father, Aloys Sipilikita, 60, has been vocal about his family’s pain and the loss of his son, who he described as a kind and promising young man.
Speaking to The Namibian last year, Aloys recounted how his son and a friend were walking home when they were accused of stealing a cellphone. When Alpo was unable to produce the phone, he was shot in the chest.
“I have never heard of my son being a thief at school or at home. Even his teachers described him as a good and kind person,” Aloys said.
The grieving father pleaded for justice. “I want the police to arrest the person who killed my son to ease my pain. How will I continue to live without him in my life? I know a lot of people have lost their children, but not in the same manner I lost my son. I cry day and night,” he said.
Community impact
Sipilikita was remembered as a vibrant young man who had dreams of becoming a doctor or engineer. His untimely death highlighted ongoing concerns about violence in the region, sparking calls for stronger community safety measures.
The case continues, with many hoping it will bring closure to Sipilikita’s family and justice for a life lost too soon.
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