UK billionaire seeks bail in Namibia murder case

A magistrate who turned down a bail application by a British farm owner charged with murder made several mistakes in his ruling, the defence lawyer has argued during an appeal hearing. Harvey Boulter was involved in an altercation with the manager of his 66 000-acre farm on 27 February. Boulter allegedly suggested that Gerhardus van Wyk’s daughter-in-law Liani owed him sex in return for a favour, sparking a row with his son, Gerhard Jr. A bullet reportedly passed through the suspect’s hand before penetrating the stomach of the victim. The expat was remanded in custody. Addressing Justice Claudia Claasen in the High Court in Windhoek, defence lawyer Sisa Namandje argued there had been ‘a multitude of irregularities’ in the bail hearing in the Outjo Magistrate's Court. The Namibian reports that he noted that his client has invested more than N$150m (about $10.3)in Namibia and suggested he should be granted N$200 000 (about $13.8) bail. State advocate Taodago Gaweseb argued that Magistrate Immanuel Udjombala's bail ruling was correct and Boulter who was ‘a man of financial means’ would have the resources to flee. The court will hand down its ruling on Thursday. The suspect is being treated at a private clinic in Windhoek.