Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Werner Menges
Published on 2024-03-27 11:16:00
The trial of Johann Maree, a Windhoek resident accused of sexually abusing underage boys and creating child pornography with them, will be conducted behind closed doors as ordered by Judge Philanda Christiaan in the Windhoek High Court. State advocate Palmer Kumalo made the application to have the trial held in camera, citing a section of the Criminal Procedure Act that allows for proceedings involving sexual or indecent acts to be closed to the public. Additionally, an article of the Constitution permits exclusion from the trial for reasons of morality.
Kumalo argued that conducting the trial behind closed doors would be in the interest of justice and for the protection of the minors involved in the case. Judge Christiaan also ordered that the identities of witnesses in the trial should not be disclosed to the public.
Johann Maree faces 74 charges, including rape, creating child pornography, child trafficking, indecent acts with minors, and money laundering. The charges involve 15 underage boys, with the state alleging that Maree raped or assaulted 13 of the boys and used 10 of them to produce pornographic material.
Maree, a self-employed photographer and videographer, allegedly sold the illicit material to buyers outside Namibia and received payments totaling about N$77,000 from buyers in several countries. He was arrested in April 2020 following an investigation prompted by a request from the police in The Netherlands.
Maree has been in custody since his arrest and underwent psychiatric observation to determine his mental fitness to stand trial. A psychiatrist reported that Maree was mentally fit and capable of understanding the wrongfulness of his actions during the alleged offenses.
The trial is expected to call upon 42 state witnesses to testify. As the proceedings proceed behind closed doors, the public and media will not have access to the trial details to protect the minors involved and maintain the integrity of the process.
For those seeking credible journalism, The Namibian offers in-depth reporting and opinions for N$85 a month. By subscribing to The Namibian, you invest in journalism and democracy. Stay informed and support quality journalism by subscribing now.
Read the original article on The Namibian
