Famous 'herbalist' denied bail in attempted murder, kidnapping case
Victim flees after being held for days
A 28-year-old man is in hospital being treated for infected wounds following a days-long ordeal in which he was allegedly shot and kidnapped by his employer, the well-known herbalist 'Dr Andrew', on Workers' Day.
Well-known herbalist Kennedy Thiongo Kasume (42), popularly known as ‘Dr Andrew’, was denied bail on Tuesday following his arrest on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and defeating the course of justice.
Kasume appeared in the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court, where the case was postponed to 6 October for further investigation.
Oshana regional police commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, said the incident occurred on 1 May – Workers’ Day – between 16:00 and 18:00 at the Makalani Real Estate houses behind the Ongwediva Mini Market. Kasume was only apprehended last Sunday.
Sakaria said Kasume is accused of shooting his 28-year-old housemate – and employee – Nahum Teofelus Shanyengadje in the left thigh and hand with a pistol.
“It is further alleged that the suspect moved the victim from their residence, instructed him to switch off his phone and not to inform anyone of his whereabouts or what had happened. He then took the victim to a private doctor without reporting the matter to the police,” Sakaria stated.
Fight gets out of hand
The altercation reportedly stemmed from a misunderstanding between Kasume and the victim, who were living in the same house.
“The victim returned home on 1 May with a vehicle to move to a new rental unit. Upon informing the suspect that he was leaving, an argument broke out. The suspect allegedly struck the victim in the mouth with a fist, pulled out a firearm, hit him on the head with the butt of the gun, and fired a shot into the wall. A second shot struck the victim in the left thigh. As the victim’s left hand was in his trouser pocket, his index and middle fingers were also injured by the same bullet,” Sakaria explained.
Shanyengadje reportedly pleaded to be freed, but Kasume refused, according to police.
Instead, Kasume allegedly administered first aid and drove Shanyengadje to the Elim area in the Omusati Region, where he reportedly forcibly kept him for several days.
“During this time, the suspect took the victim to a private doctor and instructed him to claim he had shot himself,” Sakaria said. “Later, the suspect transported the victim to Ondjongulume, where he eventually managed to escape. He made his way to Oshakati and informed his relatives.”
Sakaria added that Shanyengadje was also working for Kasume.
Police recovered a spent cartridge at the scene, which has been booked as evidence. A black Glock pistol, believed to be the weapon used in the incident, has also been seized.
Shanyengadjeis currently receiving treatment at Oshakati State Hospital, where his wounds are reportedly showing signs of infection. His condition is said to be stable.
Kasume appeared in the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court, where the case was postponed to 6 October for further investigation.
Oshana regional police commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, said the incident occurred on 1 May – Workers’ Day – between 16:00 and 18:00 at the Makalani Real Estate houses behind the Ongwediva Mini Market. Kasume was only apprehended last Sunday.
Sakaria said Kasume is accused of shooting his 28-year-old housemate – and employee – Nahum Teofelus Shanyengadje in the left thigh and hand with a pistol.
“It is further alleged that the suspect moved the victim from their residence, instructed him to switch off his phone and not to inform anyone of his whereabouts or what had happened. He then took the victim to a private doctor without reporting the matter to the police,” Sakaria stated.
Fight gets out of hand
The altercation reportedly stemmed from a misunderstanding between Kasume and the victim, who were living in the same house.
“The victim returned home on 1 May with a vehicle to move to a new rental unit. Upon informing the suspect that he was leaving, an argument broke out. The suspect allegedly struck the victim in the mouth with a fist, pulled out a firearm, hit him on the head with the butt of the gun, and fired a shot into the wall. A second shot struck the victim in the left thigh. As the victim’s left hand was in his trouser pocket, his index and middle fingers were also injured by the same bullet,” Sakaria explained.
Shanyengadje reportedly pleaded to be freed, but Kasume refused, according to police.
Instead, Kasume allegedly administered first aid and drove Shanyengadje to the Elim area in the Omusati Region, where he reportedly forcibly kept him for several days.
“During this time, the suspect took the victim to a private doctor and instructed him to claim he had shot himself,” Sakaria said. “Later, the suspect transported the victim to Ondjongulume, where he eventually managed to escape. He made his way to Oshakati and informed his relatives.”
Sakaria added that Shanyengadje was also working for Kasume.
Police recovered a spent cartridge at the scene, which has been booked as evidence. A black Glock pistol, believed to be the weapon used in the incident, has also been seized.
Shanyengadjeis currently receiving treatment at Oshakati State Hospital, where his wounds are reportedly showing signs of infection. His condition is said to be stable.
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