Otjiwarongo: A 35-year-old man facing charges of possession and dealing in mandrax and cannabis was denied bail during his first appearance in the Otjiwarongo Magistrate's Court on Thursday. The suspect, Shiwana Antonio, appeared before Otjiwarongo Magistrate Billy Lutaka, who explained to him his rights to engage a lawyer of his choice, defend himself in court, or apply for a State-funded lawyer through the Ministry of Justice's Legal Aid Directorate. Antonio opted to conduct his own defence.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the case was postponed to 14 July 2026 for further police investigations and for a laboratory report to confirm the authenticity of the drugs. Antonio was further advised by the court to submit a written bail application should he wish to be released on bail.

Public prosecutor Wendy Nkando informed the court that nearly 1,000 mandrax tablets were discovered hidden inside a goods delivery truck. Investigations suggest the accused had paid N.dollars 1,500 to have the illicit substances transported from Windhoek. Nkando stated that a total of 999 mandrax tablets, with an estimated street value of N.dollars 120,000, were found along with large parcels of cannabis valued at approximately N.dollars 139,100, bringing the total value of the drugs to N.dollars 259,100.

'Releasing the suspect on bail will not be in the interest of the public or the administration of justice,' Nkando said in opposing bail. Antonio was then denied bail and remanded in custody.