‘They have waged war on us’: PG reacts to Shiweda’s passing

Ondangwa control prosecutor Justine Shiweda traded her life for justice, choosing integrity over personal safety, Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa said. Shiweda had been warned repeatedly that her life was in danger, yet she remained committed to defending the course of justice.

She was attacked on 17 October 2025, allegedly after opposing bail for incarcerated alleged serial criminal Abner Mateus, who reportedly offered her a N$100 000 bribe in exchange for not opposing bail. Six men, including Ondangwa-based medical doctor Fillemon ‘Fly’ Nakanduungile, have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. A bail ruling is expected today in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court for Nakanduungile, whose attempted murder charge is now likely to be upgraded to murder.

“They have waged war on us. Her death will not be in vain. We will not surrender and we will fight even harder,” Imalwa said. “They killed an innocent young soul in the most cruel manner. A hardworking member of the justice system. These are the people we want in the prosecution.”

Imalwa chillingly revealed yesterday that Shiweda died with three bullets in her body, as doctors only managed to remove one. 

Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge yesterday revealed that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah had visited Justine Shiweda while she was hospitalised at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Windhoek.

Shiweda built her career quietly, diligently, and with purpose, committed to the rule of law in a justice system that often demands resilience without recognition. She studied law at the University of Namibia and served in prosecution for seven years, with her final posting at the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court, where she was recognized for her diligence and hard work.

A tragic attack and national outcry
“She was told her life is in danger; she must just take the money. She refused,” Imalwa recalled. “But to harm someone with mixed acid in the most horrible way just because you want to be out on bail for crimes you are alleged to have committed - this is unacceptable.”

Shiweda’s life was violently interrupted in October last year when she suffered a combined acid and firearm attack, shocking the nation and highlighting the dangers faced by justice officials in the line of duty. After months of medical care, she succumbed to her injuries, turning an attempted murder case into a national tragedy.

Messages of condolences poured in on social media, reflecting the deep impact of her death on colleagues, friends, and the wider community.

Remembering the person behind the profession
Beyond the courtroom, Shiweda was a devoted mother and daughter. She is survived by her parents, Severus Shiweda Mushimba and Rosalia Kleopas-Mushimba, her siblings, and two children aged nine and five, whose lives have been irrevocably altered by her death.

“While much attention will continue to focus on the court proceedings arising from her attack, those who knew her say it is important that Shiweda be remembered not only for how she died, but for how she lived - as a young Namibian woman who chose service, believed in justice, and carried her responsibilities with courage,” Imalwa said.

Her legacy lives on in the cases she prosecuted, the lives she touched, and the children she leaves behind.

Prosecutor General Imalwa visited Shiweda’s parents’ homestead at Onambango on Sunday, lighting candles in her honour.