Ericky Fundula

Police in the Hardap Region are searching for a Mariental man who is accused of allegedly killing yet another woman while out on bail for the brutal murder of his former girlfriend. The lifeless body of Valery Rooi was discovered at a plot outside Mariental in the early hours of Saturday morning. A relative of Rooi told NBC News that she was found with multiple stab wounds. The suspect, Jackson Arikumbi, who was reportedly in a relationship with Rooi, is currently on the run. He was previously granted bail in connection with the murder of his former girlfriend, Chriszelda Kawarie. Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwanbi confirmed that a warrant of arrest has been issued for Arikumbi. In 2024, police said Arikumbi had confessed to the murder of Kawarie, whose brutal killing sent shockwaves through the southern town. Kawarie's mutilated body was discovered with her breasts cut off, parts of her facial skin removed, and other body parts mutilated. At the time, relatives said she could only be identified by her feet, as her face had been skinned. Kawarie and the accused share a young son. In 2024, NBC News sat down with Kawarie's mother, Christina Kawarie, who was still struggling to come to terms with the brutal killing of her 21-year-old daughter. "I can't believe he slaughtered my daughter like that. He cut her up in pieces. That's my baby daughter," she said, fighting back tears. Kawarie's body was discovered after Arikumbi handed himself over to the police and allegedly confessed to the murder. At the time, members of the Mariental community took to the streets in protest over the decision to grant Arikumbi bail. In what the family say is a particularly heartbreaking development, a relative of Rooi told NBC News that she was allegedly killed in the very same room where Kawarie was murdered in 2024. Anyone with information that could lead to Arikumbi's arrest is urged to contact Deputy Commissioner Kotungondo on 081 208 4060 or Senior Inspector Boois on 081 259 8664. Gordon Joseph #NBCNews #nbcdigitalnews #nbcDSTV282 #nbcGOtv20 #nbcPlusApp