‘Not in public interest to keep father from children’

A man (61) accused of shooting a police officer attached to the Anti-Corruption Commission says keeping him in custody is not in the public interest because it separates him from his children.

Sageus Katoteli made the submission during his bail application at the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where he denied shooting the officer, identified only as sergeant Eliaser.

Katoteli was arrested on 8 May following the alleged shooting. He allegedly shot sergeant Eliaser after he was informed that he was being arrested on bribery charges.

He told the court he did not shoot the officer, claiming instead that the firearm went off while the two were wrestling over it.

Katoteli further told the court he had wanted to take his own life at the time of his arrest.

His remarks came after public prosecutor Yeukai Kangira opposed his release on bail, arguing that it would not be in the public interest.

“It is not in the public interest to keep a father away from his children and keep him in jail,” Katoteli said.

Kangira, however, questioned what would have happened to Katoteli’s children had he acted on his alleged suicidal thoughts.

“You said you wanted to kill yourself. What would have happened to these children that you now put at the forefront of your bail application had you killed yourself?” Kangira asked.

The prosecutor argued that should Katoteli be released on bail, there is a possibility that he could attempt to take his own life.

Kangira further argued that such an outcome would mean Katoteli would not stand trial for the alleged shooting.

“We want you alive so that you can stand trial,” Kangira told the court.

Katoteli, however, maintained that his suicidal thoughts were limited to the day of the alleged shooting and that he had never planned his death.

“I did not plan my death,” he said.

The state also challenged Katoteli’s denial that he intentionally shot the officer, alleging that it had prima facie evidence linking him to an attempted killing.

Katoteli rejected the suggestion that he was lying about the incident.

“I am from a Christian house and lying is not part of how I was brought up,” he said.

The state is represented by public prosecutor Kleopas Imalwa, assisted by Kangira.

Katoteli is represented by lawyer Slogan Mateus. Magistrate Nelao Ya France is presiding over the matter.

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