Bad Smell Reveals Murder/Suicide

"OSHAKATI, Namibia – The community of Ondongwadhiya village in Omusati Region was shocked last week when they discovered the dead bodies of a heavily-pregnant 17-year-old girl and her 31-year-old boyfriend.

"It is believed that the boyfriend murdered his girlfriend before taking his own life.

"Indications were that Titus Shaanika axed to death Loide Abner who was seven months pregnant with their first child. It is however not known what could have led to the crime and suspected suicide as the two were last seen at the local cuca-shops and seemed happy together.

"Relatives did not see Shaanika and Titus until four days later, when people became suspicious because of a bad smell that was coming from the couple’s house.

"The smell allegedly led some members of the community to the bedroom where two dead and spoiled bodies were found.

"According to the Omusati police regional spokesperson Hesekiel Hamalwa, police were called to the house.

"`When the neighbours got to that homestead, the girl was lying dead on the floor of their bedroom and the man was also dead, hanging from the roof of the bedroom,` said Hamalwa.

"Hamalwa said it is suspected that Shaanika had killed his girlfriend with an axe before hanging himself with a wire.

"`She had several wounds all over her body, and next to her was an axe that was smeared with blood on the blade,` said Hamalwa.

"The exact date on which the incident took place is not known – but police suspect that the incident took place on Sunday, September 13, 2009, the day when they were last seen together at the cuca-shops. Their bodies were only discovered on Thursday, September 17.

"The minor girl and the man, who is believed to have taken her life, have been living together for the past two years."

From NEW ERA...