Nandi-Ndaitwah demands justice after the heinous murder of Shiweda

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is among national leaders calling for urgent action to protect court officials after the barbaric murder of Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court control prosecutor Justine Shiweda.

Shiweda was attacked on 17 October 2025, when assailants shot her and poured a corrosive acid over her.

The attack is believed to be linked to her work as a prosecutor, following a failed attempt to bribe her in a bail case.

After months of fighting for her life in hospital, Shiweda died from her injuries on 7 February.

Her funeral on Saturday at Onambango village in the Oshana region became more than a moment of mourning, turning into a collective call for tougher punishment of perpetrators and a zero-tolerance approach to attacks on the justice system.

Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their final respects to a woman widely regarded as a symbol of integrity and courage in the face of intimidation.

In recognition of her steadfast refusal to yield to criminal pressure and her commitment to upholding the rule of law, Shiweda was given a state-funded funeral.

'Horrific and senseless'

Speakers at the memorial and burial services were united in calling for tougher sentences for those responsible and stronger state protection for officials tasked with upholding justice.

In a speech read on her behalf by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Shiweda’s “horrific and senseless” death had shaken the nation’s collective conscience.

She reaffirmed government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice, describing accountability as the greatest tribute the country could pay to Shiweda’s memory.

“We must never allow criminality, intimidation or violence to weaken the administration of justice,” Ngurare said on behalf of the president, stressing that the nation depends on the courage of its legal professionals.

Attack on system

Addressing mourners, Chief Justice Peter Shivute described the attack as an assault that went beyond personal tragedy.

“When an officer of the court is harmed while carrying out lawful duties, it is not merely an attack on an individual. It is an attack on the system of justice that protects us all,” Shivute said.

He warned that the administration of justice cannot be dictated by violence or intimidation and urged a resolute response to safeguard the integrity of the legal system.

Inspector-General of the Namibian Police, Joseph Shikongo, issued a stern warning to those who target public servants, vowing that the police remain fully committed to a thorough investigation.

He said the collective resolve of the justice system to uphold safety and the rule of law would not be deterred by violence against officers and officials.

Acting Prosecutor-General Martha Imalwa also called for stronger measures to protect court officials, urging prosecutors to continue their work with courage and without fear so that justice may prevail.

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