Varsity employee's murder an accident, accused boyfriend claims
Wentzel Maasdorp, accused of murdering his girlfriend Delia Weimers-Maasdorp in April 2024, claimed yesterday in court that her death was accidental and occurred during a blackout.
He faces charges of murder under domestic violence provisions and two theft charges for allegedly stealing her vehicle, mobile phone, and television, items he reportedly sold for money.
Maasdorp testified that he strangled Weimers-Maasdorp during a “blackout, a state of trance” triggered by a heated argument. According to him, the conflict began when she threw vodka in his face and slapped him.
“I blacked out and woke up to find her lifeless body. I assumed she had fainted and didn’t check her pulse,” he stated, adding that this was the first time he had experienced such a trance.
Conflicting confessions
In a signed confession from May 2024, Maasdorp admitted to killing her intentionally. He told the court: “I lost my cool and started strangling her. When I came to my senses, it was already too late. I wrapped her in a blanket because I didn’t know what to do.”
However, Maasdorp contradicted himself yesterday, calling the murder unintentional and asserting that he never meant to harm her.
Jealousy and state's argument
The State, represented by prosecutor Eric Naikaku, argued that Maasdorp’s actions stemmed from jealousy, as Weimers-Maasdorp was allegedly seeing a mutual friend. Naikaku claimed Maasdorp confronted her over the affair, leading to the fatal altercation.
The prosecutor also highlighted that Maasdorp committed the crime while out on bail, making him ineligible for bail in this case.
After the incident, Maasdorp admitted to taking her car, withdrawing money from her account, and traveling to several towns, including Mariental, Rehoboth, Windhoek, and Katima Mulilo.
The couple met in rehab in August 2023, where Maasdorp was battling drug addiction and Weimers-Maasdorp struggled with alcohol. Maasdorp admitted to relapsing during their relationship but insisted he was sober at the time of the murder.
The bail hearing, presided over by Windhoek Magistrate Monica Andjamba, was postponed to Tuesday for further proceedings. Maasdorp is represented by lawyer Samuel Shinedima.
He faces charges of murder under domestic violence provisions and two theft charges for allegedly stealing her vehicle, mobile phone, and television, items he reportedly sold for money.
Maasdorp testified that he strangled Weimers-Maasdorp during a “blackout, a state of trance” triggered by a heated argument. According to him, the conflict began when she threw vodka in his face and slapped him.
“I blacked out and woke up to find her lifeless body. I assumed she had fainted and didn’t check her pulse,” he stated, adding that this was the first time he had experienced such a trance.
Conflicting confessions
In a signed confession from May 2024, Maasdorp admitted to killing her intentionally. He told the court: “I lost my cool and started strangling her. When I came to my senses, it was already too late. I wrapped her in a blanket because I didn’t know what to do.”
However, Maasdorp contradicted himself yesterday, calling the murder unintentional and asserting that he never meant to harm her.
Jealousy and state's argument
The State, represented by prosecutor Eric Naikaku, argued that Maasdorp’s actions stemmed from jealousy, as Weimers-Maasdorp was allegedly seeing a mutual friend. Naikaku claimed Maasdorp confronted her over the affair, leading to the fatal altercation.
The prosecutor also highlighted that Maasdorp committed the crime while out on bail, making him ineligible for bail in this case.
After the incident, Maasdorp admitted to taking her car, withdrawing money from her account, and traveling to several towns, including Mariental, Rehoboth, Windhoek, and Katima Mulilo.
The couple met in rehab in August 2023, where Maasdorp was battling drug addiction and Weimers-Maasdorp struggled with alcohol. Maasdorp admitted to relapsing during their relationship but insisted he was sober at the time of the murder.
The bail hearing, presided over by Windhoek Magistrate Monica Andjamba, was postponed to Tuesday for further proceedings. Maasdorp is represented by lawyer Samuel Shinedima.
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