The appeal by four SWAPO members convicted and sentenced under the Terrorism Act on charges arising out of the assassination of Chief Filemon Elifas of Ovamboland will be heard in the Appellate Division on February 15, 16 and 17 by three Judges of Appeal.
AARON MUCHIMBA, SWAPO National Organising Secretary, and HENDRICK SHIKONGO were sentenced to death on 12 May 1976 by Mr. Justice Strydom in the Swakopmund Supreme Court. Leave to appeal was refused at the time but was later allowed after evidence of gross irregularity in the conduct of the trial had come to light. In June, the Windhoek Supreme Court granted an application by the defence for a special entry to be made on the court records. Ms RAUNA NAMBINGA and Ms ANNA NGAIHONDJWA, sentenced to 7 and 5 years imprisonment respectively, have also been granted leave to appeal. It is highly probable that the defence will press for a complete retrial of the case.
