39-year-old Steven Garoeb, accused of murdering Usakos resident Imolatria Dominika Gaoses, has been denied bail.

The accused made his first appearance in the Usakos Magistrate's Court, where the matter was postponed to 23 March 2026.

The incident has shocked the community, prompting residents to gather at court to call for justice for the 43-year-old Gaoses.

According to reports, the suspect grew up in the same residential area as the deceased. He was arrested after police discovered blood-stained clothes hidden inside a water tanker.

Several residents allege that the accused was seen wearing the same clothes earlier while in the company of the late Gaoses.

Gaoses' body was discovered with multiple stab wounds in a riverbed between Usakos town and the council building on Friday morning.

Residents have condemned the murder, along with many other recent killings of women linked to drug-related activity.

Community members demanded the accused be denied bail. They also urged that police establish a 24-hour office in their area and set up a crime protection unit.