Advocate charged in Minerva Gardens murder
FORMER acting magistrate Advocate Celeste Nameka has been added as a co-accused in a shooting that took place in Minerva Gardens, Kimberley, on December 21.
During the incident, Charmaine Anthony, 56, was shot and later succumbed to her injuries in hospital, while her 37-year-old son was also shot and wounded.
Nameka, along with her father, Clive Ferris, appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, January 8. They are facing charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
Ferris is additionally charged with discharging a firearm in a public place and contravening the Firearms Control Act.
According to the charge sheet, Nameka is accused of acting in common purpose with four unidentified individuals. She also faces an additional assault charge involving a family member of the deceased.
State prosecutor Freddy Paul informed the court that the State would oppose bail for both accused.
Advocate Joy Mongala, representing both accused, requested that Nameka be held at the Kimberley police station holding cells rather than at a Correctional Services facility.
He pointed out that Nameka's “special circumstances” should be considered as she was a legal practitioner.
Mongala also emphasised that bail applications must be heard within seven days of an accused’s first court appearance.
Magistrate Maimane Booi noted that arrangements had to be made for an external magistrate to preside over the matter, as there was “no one in the building” available to handle the case.
The matter was postponed until January 13 for a formal bail application. Until then, both accused will remain in custody.
