Seven in court over Justine Shiweda murder as 8th accused refuses to appear

By: Maria Namupala

Seven men accused in the murder of Justine Shiweda have appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court, while an eighth suspect refused to attend court on Thursday.

They appeared before Magistrate Shantell-Antoinette Wanga Harris, while Memory Harakuta represented the State.

Lukas Nekwiyu, Abner Mateus, Petrus Uusiku, Ngilifavali Johannes, Petrus Shikwaya, Matias Ndengu, Simeon Osama Nangolo and medical doctor Fillemon ‘Fly’ Nakanduungile are accused of killing Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court Control Prosecutor Justine Shiweda.

Shiweda was shot and doused with acid on 17 October 2025, she succumbed to her injuries in February 2026.

The eight suspects are currently in custody. Accused number eight, Osama Nangolo refused to attend the hearing, but the court proceeded in his absence.

In court, the group raised concerns, with some requesting a transfer to Windhoek to be closer to their families. Some raised concerns of medical neglect, claiming they are denied hospital visits even during health emergencies.

Nakanduungile told the court he faces victimisation when requesting medical care, claiming officers told him to “treat himself” because he is a doctor.

Presiding Magistrate Harris dismissed the requests, clarifying that the court holds no jurisdiction over where trial-awaiting prisoners are kept and advised them to raise detention concerns directly with the Station Commander.

The case is postponed to 10 May 2027 for further investigation and to allow the accused to acquire legal representation. Investigators say forensic results and MTC records are also still pending.

Shiweda’s family also attended the hearing.

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