Suspected Masked Rapist Denied Bail in Rundu Court
By Aneli Fura
A 25-year-old man who is suspected by police of being linked to a series of alleged rapes committed by a masked attacker in Rundu earlier this year was denied bail when he appeared in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The accused, Anton Babinu Zola, appeared before Magistrate Sonia Samupofu on charges of rape, housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, assault by threat, and indecent assault.
The charges before the court relate to two separate alleged incidents that reportedly occurred at the NHE Mass Housing complex in Rundu in January this year.
During the bail hearing, public prosecutor Sylvia Pinehas opposed the accused’s release, arguing that the charges are serious, there is a risk that he could abscond, and that it would not be in the public interest to grant him bail.
Magistrate Samupofu denied bail and postponed the matter to 3 September 2026 to allow the accused to apply for legal aid.
Although Zola has not been charged in connection with the other alleged rape incidents, police believe he may be linked to the series of attacks in which a masked suspect allegedly raped nine women in Rundu earlier this year. Authorities say DNA analysis is still pending as investigations continue.
