Slain doctor's family to sue government

The family of Dr Lucas Ilonga who was shot dead by security forces at a Katima Mulilo hospital premises last month, plans to institute a civil claim against the government of Sam Nujoma for damages, media reports said. Ilonga was killed by a member of the security forces in Katutura State hospital while rushing from a section of the hospital to attend a medical emergency. Ilonga was dispatched by the health ministry from Windhoek to Katima Mulilo to do relief duties at the hospital after foreign doctors were evacuated in the wake of separatist attacks in the Caprivi Strip. Meanwhile, the bail applications of some 29 Caprivi high treason suspects due to have been heard on Monday have been postponed until next week, 'The Namibian' reported. The postponment was due to the unavailibility of the magistrate. The total number of people charged with high treason over the Caprivi secession crisis now stands at 98, the newspaper said.