In February John PUJATURA was acquitted on charges of arson arising out of a fire at the Augustineum College, Katutura, in June 1986. Pujatura was one of a number of pupils at the school who were detained at the time although he alone was charged.
The magistrate acquitted Pujatura on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence to connect him directly with the offence. Furthermore, on the alternative charge of inciting other students to commit arson, the weight of the evidence showed that he had not done so. Pujatura's lawyer criticised the use of Proclamation AG9 to detain the students, saying that they were thus deprived of legal advice and were under pressure to 'speak up' in order to be released. During the court hearing a number of witnesses changed their evidence under cross-examination. They were asked about a meeting convened to discuss student grievances and 'action against certain staff members'. Obed Kuzatjike said that the accused had pointed out the dangers of arson; Rumoldt Kangootui said he could have erred in his earlier statements to the police and Venandjo Kandjimune denied Pujatura was even present.
