Ernst Lichtenstrasser is steeds in die intensiewesorgeenheid. Foto Iréne-Mari van der Walt
Ernst Lichtenstrasser is steeds in die intensiewesorgeenheid. Foto Iréne-Mari van der Walt

Lichtenstrasser still on ventilator

Iréne-Mari van der Walt
The trial of Ernst Lichtenstrasser was brought to a halt about a week ago after he allegedly attempted to end his own life. During a court session yesterday, further details about the incident came to light.

A letter from the casualty unit where Lichtenstrasser is currently being treated indicated that he overdosed on pills on purpose, allegedly to take his own life.

"Mr Lichtenstrasser is alleged to have intentionally taken an unknown number of tablets," the letter read.

Dr Kapenauarue Jessica Katjomuise, who wrote the letter, identified the medications Tramadol, an opioid pain medication used to treat moderately severe pain, and Zolpidem, mainly used for short-term treatment of insomnia, in Lichtenstrasser's system. Apparently, Zolpidem should only be prescribed after an attempt at cognitive treatment of insomnia has been made.

The letter explained that no realistic predictions can be made about Lichtenstrasser's recovery, as his breathing is still supported by a ventilator.

Katjomuise added that they are waiting for doctors from the hospital's psychiatric department to assess Lichtenstrasser.

The trial will not resume until early December.

Comments

Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

No comments have been left on this article

Please login to leave a comment

Katima Mulilo: 23° | 38° Rundu: 24° | 35° Eenhana: 23° | 35° Oshakati: 25° | 34° Ruacana: 24° | 35° Tsumeb: 22° | 33° Otjiwarongo: 20° | 32° Omaruru: 22° | 36° Windhoek: 21° | 33° Gobabis: 23° | 34° Henties Bay: 15° | 19° Swakopmund: 15° | 16° Walvis Bay: 14° | 23° Rehoboth: 21° | 34° Mariental: 21° | 36° Keetmanshoop: 18° | 36° Aranos: 22° | 36° Lüderitz: 15° | 26° Ariamsvlei: 18° | 36° Oranjemund: 14° | 22° Luanda: 24° | 25° Gaborone: 22° | 36° Lubumbashi: 17° | 34° Mbabane: 18° | 32° Maseru: 15° | 32° Antananarivo: 17° | 29° Lilongwe: 22° | 35° Maputo: 22° | 36° Windhoek: 21° | 33° Cape Town: 16° | 23° Durban: 20° | 26° Johannesburg: 18° | 33° Dar es Salaam: 26° | 32° Lusaka: 22° | 36° Harare: 20° | 31° #REF! #REF!