Six members of the Police Special Reserve Force based in Keetmanshoop appeared in the local Magistrate’s Court today in connection with the murder of Elleste Plaatjies. Plaatjies died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by police officers.

The six officers, Vaino Ausiku, Maria Nakale, Samuel Epafras, Immanuel Kamati, Pit Kenamuinjo, and Hilia Vilho, joined their colleagues Bernard Mulisa and Wiilibardt Neshuku in the dock. Mulisa and Neshuku were initially charged with Plaatjies’s murder; however, their case was provisionally withdrawn due to an incomplete police investigation.

The court appearance follows the Prosecutor General’s decision to prosecute the six officers. They face three counts of murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and defeating the course of justice.

The case was postponed to March 2 next year to allow for legal representation and plea. The suspects remain out on warning.