The 45-year-old traditional healer who was arrested Monday at Otjiwarongo after he was allegedly found in possession of a dried python skin, was on Wednesday released on bail of N.dollars 2 000.

The accused, Ben Katjihunda appeared before Otjiwarongo Magistrate, Karel Muyeghu on a charge of possession of controlled and protected wildlife products.

Muyeghu explained his legal rights to engage a lawyer of his own choice; apply for a government-sponsored lawyer through the Ministry of Justice’s Directorate of Legal Aid or conduct his own defence in court.

Katjihunda opted to defend himself in court, and his case was then postponed to 01 November 2022 for further police investigations.

Prosecutor Toini Amuthitu represented the State in the matter.

Namibian Police Force spokesperson in the Otjozondjupa Region, Inspector Maureen Mbeha on Tuesday told Nampa that Katjihunda during his arrest claimed to be a traditional healer who operates in the areas of Otjiwarongo, Oshakati and Windhoek.

“After he failed to provide to us a satisfactory answer on why he was keeping a 2.5-metre-long dried python skin in his bag, we then arrested him,” said Mbeha.

The police officer said the snake skin is valued at N.dollars 15 000 and still looked fresh.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency