Namibia: Koen to Admit Outjo Arson, Theft

THE former treasurer of the Outjo Municipality, Dawid Koen, plans to plead guilty to charges of arson, theft and defeating or obstructing the course of justice when his trial starts in the Windhoek High Court in May next year. Koen's defence counsel, Jan Wessels, has informed the court that his client intends to admit guilt on 62 of the 114 counts with which he has been charged. He will be pleading guilty to counts of arson, defeating or obstructing the course of justice, and 60 charges of theft, involving a total amount of N$1,19 million, Wessels has indicated to the court.

Koen (53) made another pre-trial appearance be- fore Judge Alfred Siboleka yesterday. His case was postponed to 12 May next year, on which date he is expected to formally give his plea on the charges he is facing. Evidence in mitigation of sentence will also be heard that day and the next, and the matter will then be postponed to 30 May for Koen's sentencing, Wessels and State advocate Ed Marondedze agreed.

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