The trial of Angela MAWAALA (24), due to open in the Windhoek Supreme Court on 15 February, was postponed until 20 April on application from his pro deo counsel, Advocate Pio Teek, to allow time for the instruction of additional senior counsel. Financial assistance had arrived to help Mawaala with his defence. The Judge President agreed to the postponement on the grounds that he faced serious charges, each one warranting the death sentence, and had to be given ample time to prepare his case. The judge also expressed concern about the length of time Mawaala had already spent in custody.
Mawaala was arrested on 31 July 1982. He was said to have carried explosives, ammunition and a weapon. During a brief appearance before the Tsumeb Magistrate, Mawaala reportedly said that he was a member of SWAPO, and admitted that he had a gun and explosives in his possession, for the purpose of killing certain people and blowing up bridges and rail tracks.
Mawaala is accused of murder, robbery and participating in terror activities. The murder charge relates to the killing of Simon Kariseb Shikongo, a farm worker on the farm Walrode in the Tsumeb district who, Mawaala reportedly told the Magistrate, had previously killed a SWAPO guerilla. Mawaala was accompanied by another guerilla named Shivete who he claimed had actually bayonetted Shikongo.
Shivete remains free, while Mawaala was overpowered by farmworkers on another farm and handed over to the police.
Mawaala apparently pleaded guilty to the charge, but told his counsel later that he had done so because he was afraid of the police.
