Windhoek — Three Congolese nationals who were caught with 1.6kg of cocaine at a roadblock near Windhoek will hear on January 14 next year when their trial will start.

During an appearance before Magistrate Stanley Tembwe on Monday, Arson Mayawoula, Castro Ngangu and Elvis Lubaki were informed that their case was transformed to D Court after Mayawoula's previous attorney Orben Sibeya made a submission asking that Magistrate Justine Asino recuse herself from the case.

The three will have a chance to plead during their next appearance when they will also be informed when their trial will start. The accused remain in custody after several bail attempts, including an appeal on the refusal of bail that did not succeed.

The three were caught with the cocaine with an estimated street value of N$610 000 after Mayawoula's car broke down, while on his way from Zambia, and Ngangu and Lubaki came to his rescue. According to reports, the police became suspicious when Mayawoula left his luggage in the broken down car and only removed a spare tyre.

It is alleged that the police found the cocaine in the spare tyre after a search was conducted.

During yesterday's court proceedings Mayawoula was represented by Bronell Uirab, and Ngangu by Bradley Basson who also stood in for Boris Isaacks for Lubaki.

Ngangu was acquitted on a charge of dealing in drugs in September last year, after 530g of cocaine worth N$265 000 was found in a toilet at his house in July.