A Namibian national accused of assaulting and attempting to rape a Pretoria advocate was granted R50 000 bail in the city’s magistrate’s court on Monday, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) radio news reported.
Twenty-year-old Ismail ”Zondi” Ashipembe is the grandson of the third secretary at the Namibian High Commission, and therefore enjoyed full diplomatic immunity.
Last Friday, however, the Namibian government agreed to waive his immunity and Ashipembe was charged with the alleged crimes, which also include counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and housebreaking.
Under his bail conditions, Ashipembe has to place himself under the supervision of the Namibian high commissioner and hand in his passport. He may not leave the Pretoria area without the permission of the investigating officer, the SABC reported.
He was also warned not to make contact with the complainant. The case was postponed to next Tuesday.
Ashipembe was first arrested on October 13 after allegedly attacking the advocate in her Sunnyside townhouse. The advocate worked closely with the Scorpions investigating unit in their probe of businessman Schabir Shaik.
Ashipembe appeared in court on October 15, but the case was removed from the roll after it was discovered that he enjoyed diplomatic immunity.
Last week, the South African government thanked Namibia for its cooperation in ensuring Ashipembe’s arrest. — Sapa