Four months on, no arrests or answers in Juanita Karolus murder

More than four months after the body of 33-year-old Juanita Karolus was found behind People’s Primary School in Katutura, no arrests have been made and her family is still awaiting answers.

Karolus’ remains were discovered on 3 October 2025 by a passerby in the early hours of the morning, sparking outrage and renewed concern over gender-based violence in the country.

At the time, Namibian Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo confirmed that Karolus had died after being suffocated.

Shikongo said police suspected she may also have been raped but that further forensic tests were needed to confirm this and to establish possible DNA evidence.

 Police further indicated that three persons of interest had been questioned in connection with her death, but no arrests were made and no suspects have since been publicly identified.

Apart from a video released by the police last year that showed the late Karolus with a possible suspect, little information has since been shared by authorities on whether the investigation has made progress.

Family grieves

This week, Namibian Sun reached out to the Karolus family for comment. Family spokesperson Adolf Kahambia said they were still struggling to cope with the loss.

“I am not in a good headspace to answer those questions now. Kindly direct all relevant questions regarding the progress of the investigation to the investigating officer. As a family we are still mourning,” Kahambia said.

His response highlights the emotional toll the unresolved case continues to have on the family, who have had to live for months without clarity on who killed their loved one.

No police update

Namibian Sun also contacted Namibian Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi for an update. Shikwambi referred all queries to the Khomas crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Chrispin Mubebo.

Questions sent to the police included whether the investigation remains active, whether forensic results have been finalised and why no arrests have yet been made. No response has been received thus far.

At the time of the murder, Shikongo appealed to members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist investigators, assuring potential informants that their identities would be kept confidential.