Pastor Shuudeni gets ‘lover’ Mushunina arrested

Ohangwena resident Jeremiah Mushunina was arrested yesterday after he allegedly snatched the phone of his ex-lover, suspended Lutheran pastor Hendrick Shuudeni, and demanded that the man of the cloth pay his dues.

Shuudeni allegedly promised Mushunina a total of N$10 000 after the two reportedly engaged in sexual relations in 2022 and earlier this year.

Mushunina previously accused Shuudeni of sexually exploiting him in exchange for a job in the Namibian Police force, which never materialised. The ex-lovers spent Monday and Tuesday at the Ohangwena Police Station opening cases against each other.

Regional commander, Commissioner Ottilie Kashuupulwa, confirmed that the two visited the police station, each accusing the other of criminal activities.

According to crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Zachariah Amakali, a case of theft has been opened against Mushunina after he allegedly took the pastor’s phone and demanded payment.

In retaliation, Mushunina opened a case against Shuudeni, alleging that the man of the cloth pointed a firearm at him.

Only Mushunina was arrested, and is expected to appear in Ohangwena Magistrate’s Court this week. Police said they do not have enough evidence into Shuudeni’s alleged conduct.

Clear my name

Shortly before his arrest, Mushunina told Namibian Sun that Shuudeni arrived at his house at Onhuno on Monday afternoon. The pastor allegedly begged him to contact the media houses that in May reported about their alleged sexual encounters and unfulfilled promises that led to a public falling-out, asking Mushunina to change his version of events so that his [Shuudeni’s] name can be cleared.

Shuudeni, a former Swapo local authority councillor at Ruacana, was suspended as pastor of the Oshilemba Elcin Parish after the scandal became public.

“I refused because I told him I only told the truth. I will not go back on my word. I then grabbed his phone out of anger and for failing to fulfil the promises he made to me,” Mushunina said.

“As we speak, I have his phone and I am not giving it back to him. It has all the evidence that he keeps texting me, even after being told to stay away from me.”

‘Finish him off’

Mushunina said he was informed by the police that a case had been opened against him, but was adamant that he would not return the phone until his promised money was paid to him.

He added that he was willing to go to jail to get ‘justice’ for himself for “being taken advantage of” by Shuudeni.

“He at some point offered me N$300 to give his phone back to him. I will not do it. He should pay the full amount he promised me or give me the job he promised me,” Mushunina stressed.

Namibian Sun could not get comment from Shuudeni, who is reported to be phoneless until further notice.

Mushunina said he fears for his life behind bars as Shuudeni allegedly threatened him that he would hire people to “finish him off”.

An hour later, Mushunina was no longer available to speak to Namibian Sun, and the person who answered his phone and identified herself as his mother confirmed that he had been arrested.

Amakali also confirmed Mushunina’s arrest, saying he admitted to the police that he took the phone and refused to hand it back to its owner.

“We take that as theft,” Amakali said, adding that Shuudeni was not arrested for allegedly pointing a firearm at Mushunina as there is no evidence to support the claim.